Caespitose or shortly rhizomatous, glabrous or pilose perennial with erect or ascending culms 35–120 cm. high from a pubescent base; nodes conspicuously bearded or pubescent with white hairs.
Panicle 10–22 cm. long, elliptic or oblong, moderately branched.
Leaf laminae 20–30 × 3–5 mm., linear, flat, sharply acute.