Fibrous-rooted annual. Stems ascending to erect, terete, 2–15 cm, branched at the base. Leaves basal and cauline; blades channeled, <1 mm wide; auricles absent. Inflorescence open with ascending branches and clusters of 1 to 3 sessile flowers in axils of upper leaves (nodal bracts). Flowers with prophylls; tepals narrow, green with scarious margins, 4–7 mm long; outer acuminate; inner acute, shorter; stamens 6. Capsules 3–4 mm long, rounded at the tip; seeds apiculate (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Vernally moist, often disturbed soil of meadows, stream banks, margins of ponds, wetlands; plains, valleys, montane (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).