Sheaths with papillose-based hairs; blades 5-15 cm long, 2-4 mm wide, adaxial surfaces with papillose-based hairs. Spikelets about 2.5 mm, obovate, turgid, subtending bristles 2-4 mm. Lower glumes 5-veined; upper glumes 7-9-veined. 2n = 36.

Setaria reverchonii subsp. ramiseta grows in the sandy plains and prairies of southeastern New Mexico, southern Texas, and northern Mexico.