Densely tufted perennial, 30-80cm tall, often with a purple tinge. Leaves crowded at the base, glabrous except for the lowest sheaths; blades 2-5mm wide. Crushed leaves may have a turpentine smell. Inflorescence is a false panicle 5-20cm long; racemes 1-2cm long, often in a tangle; conspicuously hairy; spikelets 5-6mm long, often with conspicuous awns.