Tufted annual 1–4 dm; lvs 1–3 mm wide, shorter than the stem; bracts several, to 2.5 dm, 1–3 mm wide; spikes all sessile, or the 1–6 rays to 10 cm; spikelets 5–10, 15–20 × 2.5–3 mm, narrowly lanceolate in outline and acute; scales stramineous, narrowly oblong, 2.5–3.5 mm, acute or obtuse and minutely apiculate; stamens 2; achenes lenticular, obovate-elliptic, 1.2–1.7 mm. Brackish marshes and sandy beaches along the coast; Me. to Fla., La., and the W.I. (C. nuttallii; C. polystachyos, misapplied)