Most species grow at higher elevations. All species are similar with coarse, erect plants about 1–2.5 m tall with short perennial rootstalks. The leaves are smooth, alternate, parallel veined, broadly oval to lanceolate, up to 30 cm long, 15 cm wide, in three ranks and sheathed at the base.

Alpine meadows form where sediments from the weathering of rocks has produced soils well-developed enough to support grasses and sedges. Non-flowering lichens cling to rocks and soil.

Alpine meadow or alpine tundra, a type of vegetated natural habitat at high altitude.