Branched-rhizomatous, densely caespitose. Stems erect, 10–35 cm, clustered. Leaves: basal bladeless; cauline blades 1–2 mm wide. Inflorescence a solitary bractless spike. Spike narrow, 10–35 mm long; male-flowered portion above, 8–25 mm long; female flowers below, 1 to 3, well-separated. Perigynia ellipsoid with a thick, basal stalk, 5–7 mm long, green to brown, glabrous; stigmas 3. Female scales acuminate, light brown with hyaline margins, hiding the perigynia. Achene 3-sided, filling the perigynium (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).