Stems terete, branched. Submersed leaves linear, 1–3 cm × up to 1 mm, attached to the stipule; stipules 2–6 mm long, sheathing. Floating leaves petiolate; blades elliptic 1–3 cm long . Spikes 2–10 mm long, continuous with a peduncle 3–15 mm long, much shorter below than above, continuous. Tepals green, 1 mm or less long. Fruits 1–2 mm long, keeled with a minute beak (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).