Herbs annual, 10-20 cm tall. Stem erect, few-branched, slender. Leaves linear, somewhat compressed, usually 0.5-1.5 cm × 0.7-2 mm, base attenuate, apex acute. Glomerules axillary, densely 3-6-flowered; bractlets ovate, margin slightly toothed, apex mostly caudate. Flowers bisexual and female. Perianth 5-parted; segments cucullate, unequal, 3-veined, margin membranous. Stamens 5; anthers oblong-elliptic, 0.5-0.8 mm. Ovary narrowly ovoid, apex slightly concave; style absent; stigmas 3-5, exserted, capillary. Utricle not seen. Fl. Sep.