Stems slightly compressed, branched. Submersed leaves linear 1–4 cm × ca. 1 mm; stipules 5–10 mm long, sheathing but fraying above. Floating leaves absent. Spikes capitate, 1–6 mm long. Tepals green, up to 1 mm long. Fruits 1.5–2 mm long, keeled with a minute, erect beak
(Lesica 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Our plants are variety
foliosus.