Stems erect, 30–100 cm. Leaves 5–15 mm wide, keeled at least toward the base, flattened toward the tip. Inflorescence usually branched, each branch with 5 to 14 separate sessile male heads and 1 or 2, sessile or pedunculate female heads, 15–25 mm wide at maturity. Styles 2-lobed. Achenes obovoid, 4–8 mm long, tapering gradually to abruptly to the 2–4 mm long beak (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).