USDA Plants list this species as native to St. Joseph county & is a very abundant grass in the western plains with natural distribution throughout the U.S. Found naturally growing aside prickly pear. 
Grass blades are a bluish-green during the summer & curing to a reddish-brown in late season. Oat-like flower heads bloom in shades of orange, red, & yellow on one side of the stalk Aug-Sept.
Grows 3-4 ft tall in full to partial sun.
Attracts birds & wildlife.
Prefers dry to medium soil.
Deer resistant.