Short, dense, rhizomatous or tussock-forming perennial grass with stems to about 70 cm tall. Leaf blades flat or channelled, 2-6 mm wide, up to 30 cm long. Ligule 0.5-1 mm long with lateral tufts of hair. Sheath flattened, hairy. Inflorescence ovoid to broadly cylindrical, soft, 3-10 cm long. Spikelets 1-4 per branch, the bristles 2.5-4.5 cm long, bright white, rarely purplish.

Arabia, North Africa

Cultivated for the white plumed heads but naturalising on roads, in pastures and lawns.Naturalised in all states except the Northern Territory.

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.