Annual bunchgrass. Stems loosely bunched, 40–60 cm. Leaves: blades 2–4 mm wide. Inflorescence an open panicle 10–20 cm long, the branches short, not secund, each bearing one spikelet, at least some flexuous. Spikelets 10–16 mm long, with 7 to 12 florets. Lemmas broad with a flattened awn 2–6 mm long, bending outward at maturity (Lavin in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).