Tufted, rhizomatous perennial with regional growth forms. Leaves 10-35cm x 5-10mm; mature leaf sheaths bulbous and pubescent at the base, old sheaths split into fine fibres; ligule is a membrane 2-7mm long. Inflorescence is a narrow panicle 5-30cm long, sometimes spike-like or interrupted; spikelets 7-15mm long, awnless or minutely awned.

Growth is stimulated by fire.