This fescue is a densely clumping long-lived perennial bunch grass with stems from about 30 to 80 centimetres (12 to 31+1⁄2 inches) in height.

The inflorescence has hairy spikelets which produce large awned fruits.

Typical native grass associates in the far west coastal prairies are Danthonia californica, Deschampsia caespitosa and Nassella pulchra.

Roemeri is a preferred host plant of many Castilleja flowers, including the rare Castelleja levisecta.

[7] [8] Cultivars, such as "Siskiyou Blue," are produced in the horticulture industry for landscape design and garden use.