Description

An erect, rather short-lived bunchgrass, growing up to 3 feet high, without rhizomes. It starts growth in early spring, and seeds mature by August. It reproduces from seeds and tillers. Seedlings are very vigorous.

 

Seedhead

Erect panicle, 4 to 8 inches long, branches erect to spreading; spikelets distinctly flattened, contain 5 to 9 florets; ¼ inch awn arises between the teeth of the divided apex of lemma; lemmas hairy.

 

Leaves

Hairy; blades 6 to 12 inches long, and up to 3/8 inches wide; leaves rolled in bud; ligules membranous, about 1/8 inch long, rounded; auricles absent.