The species is tufted perennial with elongated rhizomes. It has erect culms which are 50–100 cm (20–39 in) long. The leaf sheaths are tubular and closed; the ligule is an eciliate membrane. The leaf blades are flat, stiff, and 5–15 cm (2.0–5.9 in) long by 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) wide. Their surface is scabrous and glabrous and the tip is attenuate. The panicle is contracted, reaching 20 cm (7.9 in) in length. The spikelets are cuneate with one fertile floret. The florets are on pedicels.
