Stems monomorphic, dark green, evergreen, solid, 5–15 cm × up to 1 mm, prostrate or ascending, twisted, mostly unbranched or branched at the base, with 6 ridges. Sheaths green below, dark above; the teeth hyaline with dark centers and a bristle tip. Strobili 5 mm or less long, sharp-pointed (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).