Tufted perennial. Culms up to 150 cm high, often bulbous at the base. Panicle 1.5-11 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, spiciform and cylindrical or occasionally lobed at the base. Glumes 4.4-7.5 mm long, acute, broadly winged, the wing margin entire; sterile floret 1, subulate, 0.2-2.2 mm long, pubescent (sometimes with a short second floret up to 0.5 mm long); fertile floret lanceolate, 3.1-4.6 mm long, light brown, densely pubescent.