Densely caespitose. Stems erect, 15–70 cm. Leaves basal and cauline; blades 1–2 mm wide. Inflorescence of 3 to 6 sessile, well-separated spikes; lowest bract shorter than the inflorescence. Spikes 4–6 mm long, all similar; female flowers above, male below. Perigynia ascending, green, ovate, 2.5–3.5 mm long tapered to the weakly serrulate beak, 0.5–1 mm long; stigmas 2. Female scales ovate, white to tan with a green midvein, shorter but as wide as the perigynia. Achene 2-sided, filling the perigynium (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).