A rhizomeous, mat-forming perennial wetland grass growing on triangular stems up to 1m in height. Leaves grow snug to stem and can be as short as, or longer than the stems. The inflorescence is long and cylindrical, with male spikes (1-3 at the top) and multiple female spikes below, with a singular leaflike bract at the base, longer than the inflorescence itself. Fruits are small and light green with black scales that are egg-shaped and flat, they have short beaks and two stigmas.