Annual or perennial. Leaf blades flat; ligule membranous. Inflorescence a terminal open panicle. Spikelets elliptic or ovate, with 1 floret, bisexual, slightly dorsally compressed, disarticulating above glumes, rachilla extension absent; glumes subequal, as long as spikelet, herbaceous, persistent, 3-veined; callus very short, obtuse, glabrous; lemma elliptic, slightly shorter than glumes, leathery becoming indurated and glossy at maturity, smooth, glabrous, obscurely 5-veined, margins involute, apex acute, awnless; palea resembling lemma in texture, 2-veined, not keeled. Lodicules 2. Stamens 3.

This genus has often been placed in Stipeae, but molecular evidence shows its relationship lies within Poeae.

Five species: Europe eastward to Japan, also in E North America; one species in China.

(Authors: Wu Zhenlan (吴珍兰); Sylvia M. Phillips)