Plants dwarfish. Panicle spikelike, 6–9 cm. Spikelets 4–4.5 mm, lemma ca. 2.5 mm; awn ca. 1.5 mm.

Calamagrostis extremiorientalis (Tzvelev) Probatova (C. epigejos subsp. extremiorientalis Tzvelev; C. epigejos var. extremiorientalis (Tzvelev) Kitagawa), from the Russian Far East and NE China, has similar dimensions to this variety, but the awn arises further up the lemma back. It has not been possible to see any authentic material.

Moist ground near ditches and along riversides. Heilongjiang, W Sichuan (alpine regions) [E Russia].