Native warm-season perennial dense, tussocky C4 grass; stems grow to 90 cm tall, have nodes that are often shortly hairy and arise from short rhizomes. Leaves are blue green with a whitish midvein, turning purplish-red at maturity Flowerheads are digitate to subdigitate, consisting of 2-3 erect, silky, reddish-brown branches (racemes). Spikelets are paired and both alike, 4-5 mm long, 2-flowered and 1-awned. Flowers most of the year. Found in moist open areas of grasslands and woodlands, such as flats, along creeks and on cracking clays; more common in the northern half of the region. Native biodiversity. Very drought tolerant, but frost sensitive. Provides good growth after summer rains and responds to improved fertility.