2n = 48

2n = 44

Forming woolly-leaved patches. Leaves (1)-3-7-(15) cm × 2-3 mm, very much shorter than stems, gradually tapering to a subulate acute tip, margins incurved, upper \ of lamina covered on margins and abaxial surface with a dappled coating of tangled white woolly hairs. Flowering stems (5)-9-20-(25) cm long. Inflorescence a cylindrical or almost spherical spikelike head up to 2 cm long. Flowers 1.5-2 mm long; tepals dark brown with broad white membranous margins. Stamens 3-(4—6). Capsule more or less equal to tepals, dark brown to black.

Woolly-leaved, cushion-like patches, (5)-9-20-(25) cm high. Leaves covered on margins and back with tangled white hairs, tips acute. Inflorescence spike-like. Stamens 3- (4-6).

Forming woolly-lvd, cushion-like patches. Lvs (1)–3–7–(15) cm. × 0.5–1.5–(2.5) mm., much < flowering stems, gradually tapering to an acute tip, margins incurved, upper ⅔ of lamina covered on margins and abaxial surface with a dappled coating of tangled, white, woolly hairs. Flowering stems (5)–9–20–(25) cm. long. Infl. a cylindrical or almost spherical spike-like head up to 2 cm. long. Fls 1.5–2 mm. long; tepals dark brown with broad, white, membr. margins. Stamens 3–(4–6). Capsule ± = tepals, dark brown to black. 2n = 44 (Hair), 48 (Nordenskiöld).