2n = 88

Densely caespitose. Culms (10)–25–50–(80) cm. tall, 0.5–1 mm. diam., sharply trigonous, scabrid below infl., often drooping; basal sheaths dull dark brown. Lvs 3–4 per culm, = or slightly < culms, 1.5–2 mm. wide, yellow-green, margins harshly scabrid, slightly involute when dry. Spikes 5–11–(14) cm. long, female fls c. 15–20, lax, internodes 11 mm. long at base of spike, 3–6 mm. long above. Glumes ± = or rarely much < utricles, persistent, obtuse or lowermost subacute, coriac., pale brown. Utricles 6–7 × c. 1 mm., plano-convex, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, grey-brown, nerved, slightly contracted or cuneate at the base forming a stipe 1.5–2 mm. long, beak 2 mm. long.