Often referred to as "hairy grama" because the leaves are covered with small hairs and it is a graminoid, which comes from the Latin term gramen (grass). This is a small, drought tolerant grass that is uncommon in Missouri. It can spread from short stolons and make a nice ground cover in sunny, dry sites. At least two species of skipper butterflies use eyelash grass as a host plant for their caterpillars. Birds may use it for nesting material and will eat the seeds.