Corispermum candelabrum Iljin

Plants 10-60 cm tall. Stem erect, green or reddish purple, sparsely hairy, branched mostly from base; branches ascending. Leaves linear, to 4.5 cm × 2-5.5 mm, 1-veined, base attenuate, apex acute, mucronate. Spikelike inflorescence terete or clavate, crowded, usually 4-6 × 0.8-1 cm; bracts linear-lanceolate to broadly ovate, 0.5-1.6 cm × 2-4 mm, usually 3-veined, margin membranous, apex acute or acuminate. Perianth segments 1 or 3, upper one oblong or broadly obovate, 1-1.5 mm, apex rounded, irregularly denticulate, abaxial segments triangular, smaller. Stamens 5, exserted from perianth. Utricle oblong-obovate or broadly elliptic, 3-5 × 2-3.5 mm, abaxially sometimes tuberculate, base rounded or cordate, apex rounded; wing distinct, 1/4-1/2 as long as body, margin irregularly denticulate or entire; beak short, thick, apex 1/3-1/2 as long as beak. Fl. and fr. Jul-Sep.