[2] It is native to northeastern Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant.

This is a perennial grass growing in rhizomatous clumps, producing erect stems up to about 75 centimeters tall.

The inflorescence is a panicle of clustered spikelets surrounded by a cloudlike mass of plumose white bristles up to 5 centimeters long.

[3] In temperate climates it is hardy in mild or coastal areas, where temperatures do not fall much below freezing.

[4] This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.