Spreading-rhizomatous. Stems erect, terete, 4–30 cm. Leaves mainly basal; blades and auricles absent; sheaths green to light brown. Inflorescence congested with 5 to 20 short-pedicellate flowers; main bract terete, erect, appearing like a continuation of and often longer than the stem. Flowers with prophylls; tepals green to tan, 2–4 mm long, acuminate; stamens 6. Capsules 2–3 mm long, rounded on top; seeds unappendaged (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).