Rhizomatous. Stems erect, terete, 10–70 cm, often tufted. Leaves basal and cauline; blades terete, 1–2 mm wide; auricles acute to rounded. Inflorescence open with erect to spreading branches and clusters of 3 to 10 flowers; main bract smaller than the inflorescence. Flowers: prophylls absent; tepals green to brown, 2–3 mm long, acute to acuminate, ca. equal; stamens 6. Capsules 3–4 mm long, exserted, acuminate, tapering to the beak; seeds with minute appendages (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Wet mineral soil of stream or ditch banks, margins of lakes, wetlands; plains, valleys (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).