Seedling
Leaves are rolled in the bud, and auricles are absent. Ligules are 2-4 mm long, membranous at the base for about half their length, and fringed with hairs at the top. The black seedcoat persists under the surface of the soil on very young seedlings.
Juvenile plant
Leaf blades and sheaths are densely covered with still hairs. Leaves and ligules are similar to those of the seedlings.
Mature plant
Leaf blades are 10-30 cm long and 6-20 cm wide, rounded at the base, and have long hairs on both surfaces. Sheaths are open and densely covered with stiff hairs, especially on lower leaves. Sheath margins are hairy, at least near the ligule.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from July to September. The seedhead is a pyramidal to cylindrical panicle, rather compact, nodding or drooping to erect, 10-30 cm long. Spikelets are 4.5-5.3 mm long and produce a single shiny, smooth, yellow or olive-brown to black seed about 3 mm long.
Post senescene
Stems, leaves, and inflorescence persist for considerable time after frost. The inflorescence does not detach from the plant. Plants may have a reddish coloration. Seeds remain attached to spikelets.
