Varieties of this subspecies may be either of winter or of spring type. Stems vary in height but are generally stiff. Spikes are short, usually under 2.5 inches in length, very compact and flattened. Spikelets usually contain 5 flowers and spread at near right angles to the rachis or stem. Spikelets are generally awnless, but sometimes awned.
Kernels are small, flattened, have a very shallow, narrow crease, and a short brush.
About 5 varieties were grown on nearly 2,000,000 acres in 1959 - mostly in the Pacific Northwest. Principal use is flour manufacture. Durum wheat , Triticum durum Desf. Varieties of this species grown in the United States are all spring wheats. Stems generally are pithy internallv and leaves are relatively broad.