A dense and tufted perennial wetland grass growing from short rhizomes. The stems reach 15-100cm tall and are triangular with smooth edges, being somewhat rough below the inflorescence. The leaf blades are flat, holding tight to the stem, and do not reach the height of the inflorescence. The inflorescence sits atop a spike that produces male (2 at the top) and female (2-3 at the bottom) brown to orange flowers.