Danthonia decumbens is a perennial plant with a decumbent habit; it lies on the ground with the tips turned upward.

It has narrow, bright green leaves taper to a sharp point and are rather hairy.

The stem is 15–30 centimetres (5.9–11.8 in) high and slightly bent at the base, smooth with 1 to 3 nodes.

[2] The panicle consists of 4 or 5 large erect glaucous silvery green or purplish awnless spikelets.

The plant is found on acid pastures and heathland, on sandy or peat soils, which are also often damp.