Dwarf, cushion-like annual, up to 100 mm tall, appearing to consist mostly of long plumose awns. Leaves basal; ligule a fringe of hairs. Inflorescence a dense panicle, main axis not visible. Spikelets 15-16 mm long (excluding awns), 1-flowered; glumes acuminate; lemma 3-awned, only the central awn plumose, up to 45 mm long, with articulation at base of very long column.