Densely tufted perennial 1.5–6 dm; lvs mostly crowded toward the base; sheaths pilose at the throat; blades flat, 1–3 mm wide; spikes 1–3, usually 2, straight or recurved,2–4 cm; rachis projecting 2–5 mm beyond the uppermost spikelet as a straight stiff point; spikelets numerous, closely imbricate, divergent; first glume subulate; second glume lanceolate, 3–4 mm, densely papillose-hirsute on the prominent midvein; fertile lemma about equaling the second glume, sparsely villous throughout, its awn short and flattened; vestige long-stipitate, glabrous at base, obconic, often reaching the summit of the second glume, its 3 awns equal, exceeding the tips of the fertile lemma and second glume; 2n=12–50. Dry prairies and sand-hills; Wis. and Ill. to N.D., s. and w. to Tex., Calif., and Mex.; Fla.
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