- spikelets in sessile clusters or open panicle
- spikelets round in cross-section,
- flowers perfect, bristles usually present
- stems triangular or circular in cross-section
- basal leaves few, cauline leaves one or none, all reduced to short projections
- inflorescence subtended by one erect and non-leafy bract, appearing as a continuation of the stem
- plants emergent
- stems round in cross-section
- inflorescenses branched
- spikelets pedunculate