Resembles subsp. angustifolium vegetatively except that the culms are often taller and more slender. Panicle branches ascending, not appearing 1-sided. Spikelets 2.9-3.6 mm, fusiform, bases strongly attenuate, apices pointed or beaked, lower glumes attached 0.3-0.5 mm below the upper glumes.
Dichanthelium aciculare subsp. fusiforme grows in sandy pine or oak savannahs. It tends to replace subsp. angustifolium from southern Florida through Central America and the Antilles.