This is widespread in damp woodlands of most eastern states, but it is less common to absent on the southeastern Coastal Plain, especially on less fertile soils. Although most common on lowlands, the species can also occur locally on poorly drained uplands that often experience some summer dryness. It is one of the most robust woodland grasses, up to 1.85 m tall and with leaf blades up to 19 mm wide (FNA 24); blades usually have a slightly eccentric midvein (see also Diarrhena).