This was formerly common in low grasslands from Central America to southeastern states. There is much regional variation (Newell & de Wet 1974, FNA 25); 2n = 36, 54 and 72, with 72 more frequent to the east (? = var. dactyloides). In Ky. this species is generally rare but locally abundant in grassland remnants, especially to the west. There are also scattered records from rocky river banks in Appalachian regions, including the Cumberland River near the Falls (MCRE & WHIT); along the Ohio Rv. in s. Ohio (PL; D. Boone, pers. comm.); and along the New Rv. in W.Va. The old name "beargrass" was probably not applied to this unusually robust grass during the pioneer era at the mouth of Beargrass Creek above the Falls of Ohio Rv. (JEFF); see notes under Camassia scilloides. But it may have been the "beargrass" on the "Beargrass River" that was later named Powell Rv. in se. Va. (T. Walker's journal of 1750). Short (1840) was told that "beargrass... grows abundantly on the Cumberland Mountains in the s.e. corner of Kentucky." Although unknown on those uplands today, patches of Tripsacum are known further south in Tenn. (Fentress Co. in Ch), suggesting former grassy openings across the Cumberland Plateau. This grass is highly palatable, and livestock may have eradicated it from most of the former range. Yet Short (1840) noted: "A luxuriant grass to which public attention was drawn a few years since, as an excellent example or provender; a character which further experience has proved it not to deserve. It occurs, as a native, among the grasses of the barrens; and has been introduced into different parts of the state." The unusual large seeds germinate readily after removal of the cupule, and about 10% may survive passage through bovine guts; but rodents can consume 95% of seed crops (Anderson 1985). Plants are relatively resisant to rusts, including species that can infect Zea (Mammadov et al. 2018).