Tufted perennial to nearly 2 m tall. Leaf blades to 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Ligules to 1 cm long. Flower clusters open and bent over, becoming purplish; spring to summer. Spikelets about 4 mm long.

Northern North America, Eurasia

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.