Perennial, up to 300 mm tall. Leaves mainly basal; ligule a fringe of hairs. Inflorescence an open panicle. Spikelets 12-14 mm long (excluding awns), 1-flowered; glumes light brown; lemma 3-awned, all 3 or only central awn plumose, with articulation between apex of lemma and base of long column.