Tufted, velvety annual with thin culms. Leaves, softly hairy blades, 3-15cm x 5-12mm; ligule is a fluffy white membrane. Inflorescence is a dense, ovoid, spike-like panicle, 1-5cm long, white, tinged with purple or golden brown; spikelets 6-10mm long, with projecting 10-25mm awns.

Known for its attractive panicles, often used in flower arrangements, dyed in bright colours.

Naturalised from the Mediterranean region.