Densely caespitose perennial; culms up to 95 cm high; leaf laminas 7–20 cm × 2–5 mm. Raceme 6–9 cm long, stiff, grey; internodes narrowly clavate, densely pubescent, the scarious rim at the summit complete and concealing much of the callus. Sessile spikelet lanceolate-oblong; inferior glume 6.5–10 mm long, densely long-pilose to appressed tuberculate-hispid, the nerves raised but not prominently rib-like, the margins not muricate. Pedicelled spikelet much reduced, up to 6 mm long including the occasional awn of the inferior glume.