This large, upright clumping grass can grow to be 5 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. It prefers dappled light to part shade, in moist soils. It is a plant to a large number of caterpillars including many skipper butterflies. Small mammals and birds feed on the seeds throughout winter. Its bronze color while dormant gives winter interest to your yard. 
 
Native throughout most of the state. Click to see its range in North Carolina.
 
More info here.