Open sandy fields, juniper savannas, and roadsides; occasionally on moister shores.This species has clearly increased its range in recent times. Pre-1950 collections are known only from SW Michigan (Berrien and Cass Cos., north to Muskegon Co.), including a First Survey collection in 1838 from Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co.

This closely resembles Schizachyrium scoparium and sometimes grows with it, but can be distinguished superficially by the visibly expanded spathe-like sheath largely enclosing the racemes. Old stems and leaves color reddish bronze, and are very persistent and conspicuous late into the fall and even until next spring.