Source: Magness et al. 1971
This grass is a native bunchgrass in the Plain, Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest States. Seed heads may reach to 5 feet. Leaf blades are broad, flat and rough, up to 12 inches long and 0.5 inch or more broad. Growth begins later in spring than most grasses but continues throughout summer if moisture is available. Palatability while succulent is fair, but poor when the plants become woody. Good quality hay can be obtained with early mowing. It is usually seeded in combination with other slower-growing grasses in order to obtain a quick cover.