Elionurus muticus grows in open grassland and prefers sandy acid soils of sourveld at higher altitudes. Elionurus muticus is a very hardy, upright growing grass The long white seed heads curl gracefully backwards at the tips of long stems from September to May. In autumn the leaves turn a beautiful coppery brown. This is a cultivated grass, but is browsed by animals while still young.

The grass seeds germinate after 7 days on burnt soil of the grassland. The water requirement of this grass are low, making it water-wise in gardens. Elionurus muticus is best cultivated in full sun and well-drained soil, especially sandy soil. This grass does not grow in temperate areas, and it prefers areas that receive rain in summer.

Fire stimulates earlier flowering and seed production. Post-fire seed production of Elionurus muticus can lead to poor seed quality. Elionurus muticus grass is the first grass species to reproduce in a post-fire situation.

This widespread grass is ornamental and easy to manage in the garden. Birds collect the seed heads for nesting material. Plant in pure stands or as part of a grassland garden. It is also useful as a soil stabilizer. Two essential oils are distilled from this grass. These essential oils have a high citral level of 80% and other important chemical compounds.