Herbs, perennial, rhizomatous, 0.3--7 dm. Rhizomes 1--3 mm diam., nodes not swollen. Culms erect, terete, 1--2 mm diam., smooth. Cataphylls 0 (rarely 1, straw-colored, apex obtuse). Leaves: basal 0--2, cauline 1--4, small fascicles of short capillary leaves often on rhizomes and stems; auricles 0.3--1 mm, apex rounded, membranaceous; blade terete, 1.5--11 cm x 0.8--1.1 mm. Inflorescences terminal cymes, flowers single or paired at nodes, (rarely in 3s), 2--25 cm, branches spreading to erect; primary bract erect. Flowers: tepals straw-colored, oblong; outer tepals 1.6--2.3 mm, apex obtuse; inner tepals 1.8--2.8 mm, apex obtuse; stamens 6, anthers 2--3 times filament length. Capsules included to exserted, chestnut brown, 1-locular, narrowly ovoid, 1.5--3.5 mm, apex acute proximal to beak, valves separating at dehiscence, fertile only proximal to middle. Seeds ovoid, 0.3--0.5 mm, not tailed; body clear yellow-brown. 2n = 40.