Widest leaf 2–2.9(–3.5) mm wide. Inflorescence: longest peduncle of staminate spike (6.3–)8.1–15.9 cm; terminal spike usually surpassing bract blade of distal lateral spike. Perigynia 7–10-veined, 2–3.4 mm, apex barely excurved.

Fruiting spring. Mesic to dry-mesic, deciduous or mixed deciduous-evergreen forests, mixed soils; 0–400 m; Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Md., Miss., Mo., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.