Robust annual; culm solitary or tufted. Leaves soft, 15-30cm x 3-7mm. Inflorescence is a flattened green spike 15-25cm long with a gently wavy stem; spikelets 10-20mm long, alternate on opposite sides of the stem; membranous ligule and auricles.

The grain is often infected with a fungus, producing a poisonous alkaloid 'Loline' or 'Temuline' for which the grass is notorious.

Naturalized from the Mediterranean region.