It grows in many types of local habitat, including grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland.

[5] Nassella pulchra is a perennial bunch grass producing tufts of erect, unbranched stems up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall.

The extensive root system can reach 20 feet (6.1 m) deep into the soil, making the grass more tolerant of drought.

The plant produces copious seed, up to 227 pounds per acre in dense stands.

[5] The pointed fruit is purple-tinged when young and has an awn up to 10 centimeters long which is twisted and bent twice.