Culms 12-45 cm, erect to ascending, branching at the lower nodes. Sheaths of upper leaves with the margins usually all alike, not inflated, not enclosing the lowest spikelets; ligules to 2.3 mm; blades to 2(12) cm long, 1-3 mm wide, flat to inrolled, adaxial surfaces scabrid. Spikes 5-18 cm, straight, not twisted, with 5-25 spikelets. Spikelets 4.5-7 mm, generally slightly longer than the internodes, generally not cleistogamous. Glumes 4-6 mm, not more than 1.25 times the length of the internodes, lanceolate, acuminate, keels obscure; anthers 1.5-4 mm. 2n = 14, 28.

Parapholis strigosa has been found in disturbed areas of Humboldt Bay, California, and has been reported from Del Norte, Mendicino, and Sonoma counties. It grows on moist soils above normal high tides, usually in well compacted sandy loams. In general, it is found in less saline soils and at higher elevations than P. incurva.