Erect, coarse, tufted rhizomatous but clumping perennial grass to over 1.5 m tall. Leaf folded in bud. Leaf blade finely pointed, to about 40 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, distinctly veined, pubescent on the upper surface at the base of the blade, sometimes purplish or waxy blue. Sheath rounded. Inflorescence an open panicle, 15-45 cm in length. Spikelets pointed, 3-6 mm long.

North and Central America

Sometimes used for revegetation, soil stabilisation and erosion control.

There are ornamental cultivars 'Rubrum', 'Rotstrahlbusch' and 'Haense Herms'.

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.