It resembles a ro-cylindriunded, densely-leafed clump of coarse-bladed grass until it sends up its delicately branched inflorescence. The numerous leaves are nearly semical with a lengthwise channel or groove, and have slightly scabrous (rough feeling) margins. They measure 30 to 50 inches long and less than half an inch wide. The particularly notable characteristic for this species is the purple or reddish-purple tinged twiggy inflorescence. There are even purplish tinges on the leaves. Ornamentally, beargrass may be used as a groundcover or to stabilize rocky slopes, and with its symmetrical profile and arching leaves it would provide textural change for a cactus garden.