Stems 10–80 cm, glandular below inflorescence with glands dome-shaped to conical, 1/2–2 times longer than wide, or pubescent with cylindrical hairs 2–4 times longer than wide, rarely both glandular and pubescent. Inflorescences usually forming globose heads ca. as long as wide, less often spikelike and forming cylindrical-ovoid heads, 3–45-flowered, sometimes interrupted or open, 1–8 cm; bracteoles usually glandular. Flowers: tepals 3–7 mm; stamens 3.5–6 mm; styles 1.3–3 mm; pedicel 1–12 mm. Capsules 4–8 mm. Seeds often lobed, 1–2(–3) times longer than wide; appendages occasionally absent, usually 1, to 3 times longer than seed, rarely also with short appendage at opposite end; coat strongly inflated. 2n = 30.

Flowering summer. Moist meadows, marshes; 0--3300 m; Calif., Oreg.