The species leaf-sheaths are scabrous, tubular, keeled and are closed on one end.

Panicle is inflorescent and is contracted, linear, secund and is 6–12 centimetres (2.4–4.7 in) long.

Both low and upper glumes are oblong, scarious, yellow in colour, but are different in size.

Flowers anthers are 1 millimetre (0.039 in) long while the fruits are caryopes and have an additional pericarp.

[2] It is found on grassy mountain slopes of Qinghai on elevation of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft).