Involucre 7–12 mm. long including awn, scabrid, with thick cartilaginous margins (viewed from inside), setaceously acuminate usually with an awn up to 4 mm. long.
Inferior lemma glabrous, or rarely pilose at the apex.
Culms 50–100 cm. high.
Panicle 8–20 cm. long.
Tufted perennial.