This largely Appalachian species of mesic to subxeric woods extends west along the Kentucky River Palisades to JESS and MERC, and along the southern Knobs to TAYL. Also, there is only an old record in Ind. from Floyd Co., across the Ohio Rv. from MEAD (D). P. cuspidata is a rhizomatous species that flowers relatively early, mostly in late Mar to early May, and it is easily overlooked. Its relatively robust persistent branching tufts after flowering are difficult to identify later in the year, casually resembling Schizachyrium. But basal sheaths are distinctively purplish, and leaf tips have the characteristic keeled form of Poa, although more attenuated to a narrow point than most other species in the state.