Rhizomatous. Stems erect, 10–70 cm. Leaves: basal bladeless; cauline blades 1–2 mm wide. Inflorescence of 5 to 15 overlapping spikes in an elongate cluster; lowest bract shorter than the inflorescence. Spikes sessile, similar, ascending, ovoid; 5–8 mm long; male flowers above, few; female flowers below; sometimes spikes or inflorescences unisexual. Perigynia erect, narrowly ovate, green to brown, glabrous, 3–4 mm long, tapered to a serrulate beak 1–2 mm long; stigmas 2. Female scales lanceolate, tan with pale margins and midvein, hiding the perigynia. Achene 2-sided, nearly filling the perigynium (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Moist soil of meadows, woodlands, often around ponds, streams; plains, valleys, montane (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).