This large-leaved, perennial grass reaches heights of almost 2 m, shading out other herbaceous vegetation. The seeds are distributed passively or by granivorous birds. The young shoots are eaten by feral pigs, which intensify infestations by uprooting neighboring vegetation, creating new areas for establishment. Palmgrass is well-adapted to fire. It has not been evaluated for biological control.

It is found in wet areas on all major islands from 300-2,000 m elevation. There are major infestations in the 'Olala, Hilo, Kohala, and Wai'akea Forest Reserves, Hawai'i, and the Ko'olau Forest Reserve, Maui.

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