Rhizomatous. Stems erect, compressed, 10–60 cm, often clustered. Leaves basal and cauline; blades flat, 1–3 mm wide; auricles small, pointed. Inflorescence open to congested with 1 to 5 clusters of 10 to 30 flowers; main bract usually shorter than the inflorescence. Flowers: prophylls absent; tepals brown with a broad green midstripe and silvery margins, 4.5–6 mm long, acute, apiculate, subequal; stamens 6. Capsules 4–5 mm long, truncate on top; seeds with appendages as long as the body (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).