Perennial, rhizomatous. Culms tufted, erect, 40–60 cm tall. Leaf sheaths loose, usually shorter than internodes, hispidulous throughout, pilose at mouth; leaf blades linear, 3–12 × 0.2–0.5 cm, both surfaces papillose-pilose when young; ligule 1.5–2 mm. Inflorescence narrowly linear, dense, erect or slightly curved, 5–12 × 0.6–1 cm; axis pubescent; involucre enclosing one spikelet; bristles glaucous, sparse, 0.3–0.5 cm, usually shorter than spikelet. Spikelet ovate-lanceolate, 4–6 mm; lower glume ovate, membranous, 1/3–1/2 as long as spikelet, 0–3-veined, acute; upper glume thickly membranous, slightly shorter than spikelet, 3–5-veined, acute or acuminate; lower floret usually staminate, lemma as long as spikelet, thickly membranous; upper lemma slightly shorter than spikelet, papery, acute; anthers without hairs at tip. Fl. and fr. Aug–Nov.

This species is close to Pennisetum flaccidum.

* Mountainsides, stream banks; 2000–3000 m. Sichuan, Yunnan.