Hyparrhenia hirta is a perennial, leafy, and variable species that grows to a height of 0.5-1 m (-1.8 m during blooming). It has a strong root system. Its stems are wiry, arising from short rhizomes above a dense leafy tussock. The leaf blade is linear or folded, 2-20 cm long x 1-3 (-4) mm wide.
