This is a widespread, variable, circumboreal species of cool dry grasslands, usually on sandy soils; it is virtually absent in southeastern states (FNA 24, K). The only known site for Koeleria in Ky. is near Mantle Rock in LIVI, where discovered by R. Athey in 1971 (MUR). The species varies significantly across its range; 2n = 14 and 28. North American plants are sometimes segregated as K. nitida Nutt., but further research is needed (FNA 24).