Lemma broadly lanceolate, usually densely hairy, (3.5-) 4-5.3 mm long, awnless or with a short awn up to 1.5 mm long. Panicle-branches hairy.

Type locality: Scandinavia.

Distribution: Pakistan (N.W.F.P., Gilgit & Kashmir); high mountains of northern Eurasia southwards to Tibet and the Himalayas; North America.

3000-4200m.