Erosion control
Aristida adscensionis is a pioneering species that easily colonizes bare ground, waste and disturbed lands. It was found useful for the stabilization of sand-dunes in India and Senegal (Burkill, 1985).
Weed
As a pioneer species, Aristida adscensionis may become invasive: it is an adventitious species on irrigation bunds and river banks in the rice growing area of Senegal (US Forest Service, 2013; Burkill, 1985).