Stems 1–2 m. Leaves: blades 6–10 mm wide, ligules 2–6 mm long. Inflorescence an open panicle 15–30 cm long, the branches spreading and often drooping. Spikelets 3–5 mm long, laterally compressed. Lemmas 2 to 7 per spikelet (Lavin in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).