Herbs, perennial, cespitose or not, rhizomatous. Culms terete. Leaves cauline; ligules present; proximal leaves bladeless, distal with well-developed blades, flat. Inflorescences axillary, spicate, with 3-10 spikelets per spike; primary bracts leaflike, each subtending spike. Spikelets: scales 4-8, distichously arranged, each subtending flower. Flowers bisexual; perianth of 6-9 retrorsely barbed bristles, slightly longer than achene; stamens 3; styles 2-fid, base persistent, linear. Achenes biconvex. x = 16.