Sprawling, patch-forming, perennial herb, up to 0.4(-0.6) m high, similar to C. virgata. Leaves acicular, thread-like, glabrous or very sparsely hairy. Flowering time Aug.-Oct. Fruit borne among vegetative parts, 3.0-3.5 x 2-4 mm in commissural view, round to obovate, longer than bracts, smooth or slightly wrinkled.
Sprawling, patch-forming perennial to 40 cm. Leaves acicular, thread-like, glabrous or very sparsely hairy. Fruit relatively small, round to obovate, longer than bracts, smooth or slightly wrinkled.