Deertongue is a native bunchgrass easily recognized by its broad, lance-shaped leaves that resemble a deer's tongue. It forms sturdy, upright clumps in sunny fields, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. While its summer appearance is a simple green, its true character emerges in autumn when the entire plant cures to a striking bronze, purplish, or warm-yellow hue. These rigid, colorful clumps persist through the snow, providing critical winter cover for wildlife and a vital seed source for foraging birds.