Caespitose. Stems erect, terete, 4–25 cm. Leaves mainly basal, bladeless; the 1 or 2 cauline leaves have terete blades <1 mm wide; auricles obscure. Inflorescence somewhat congested with 1 to 3 pedicellate flowers; main bract, terete, erect, greater than the inflorescence. Flowers with prophylls; tepals green to brown, 5–7 mm long, acuminate; stamens 6. Capsules 6–8 mm long, acute; seeds appendaged (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Stony soil of dry to moist meadows, turf, outcrops, often near streams or shores; subalpine or alpine (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).