Perennial bunchgrass. Stems 80–100 cm. Leaves: blades 5–10 mm wide. Inflorescence an open, nodding or drooping panicle 7–15 cm long. Spikelets 2–2.5 mm long, with 5 to 7 florets. Lemmas with a straight to twisted awn 12–18 mm long (Lavin in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).