Richardson needlegrass is a native, perennial, cool-season bunchgrass. Culms are glabrous or slightly hairy. Richardson needlegrass reproduces sexually. Strong winds may transport seeds a considerable distance, especially when awns are twisted together in clumps.
Soil textures vary from fine sandy loam to clayey loam.
It occurs in the rough fescue prairie association, a climax community type. However, the equilibrium between prairie and associated forest vegetation is not always clear. No specific information on the seasonal development of Richardson needlegrass was found.