Habitat: Well-drained floodplain forests, hummocks of alluvial swamps, rocky or sandy river shores and bars, and riverside prairies; less frequently in tidal swamps, periodic seepage areas of mafic and calcareous woodlands and barrens, and mesic to dry-mesic upland forests near streams or rivers. Locally common throughout the mountains (low elevations), piedmont and inner coastal Plain; rare in the outer coastal Plain.
Wildlife value: Highly resistant to deer. This is a larval host plant for Northern Pearly-Eye (Lethe anthedon) caterpillars. Also a larval host plant to several skipper butterflies. Small mammals and birds are attracted to the seeds.
Notes: Clump-forming, upright ornamental grass that is easy to grow. It is easily grown in moist to wet well-drained soils in part sun to part shade. It is fairly tolerant of shade, especially for an ornamental grass. Can be a bit weedy as it self seeds easily.