Culms 30–75 cm, ± smooth. Leaf blades 2–4 mm wide, margins revolute. Spikes: lateral spikes all in distal 1/2 of stem, 10–45 × 4–7 mm; terminal spikes 10–35 × 2–4 mm. Pistillate scales 3-veined, ovate to ovate-circular, 3.7–5 × 2–2.6 mm, proximal ones shorter than perigynia. Perigynia 3.7–4.5 × 2–2.5. Achenes sessile, 3.3–3.5 × 1.9–2.5 mm.

Fruiting late spring. Dry grasslands and scrub; of conservation concern; 0–600 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).