Plants 5-12 cm. Stem few branched, mostly in lower part; branches obliquely spreading or prostrate, longer than main stem, terete. Leaves green, linear, 1.5-2.5 cm × 1.5-2.5 mm, slightly fleshy, 1-veined, base attenuate, margin entire, apex acute, mucronate. Spikelike inflorescence terete, crowded; bracts lanceolate, usually sickle-shaped, 1-2 cm × 2.5-3 mm, slightly narrower than or equaling utricle, 1-veined, base attenuate or rounded, margin entire, narrowly membranous, apex acute, mucronate. Perianth segments 1(or 3), upper one ovate or oblong-ovate, apex lacerate, denticulate, lower segments very small or absent. Stamens 1-3, 1.5-2 × as long as perianth segments. Utricle dark green, obovate-elliptic, 3.5-4 × 2.5-3 mm, glabrous, base rounded, apex widely emarginate; wing light yellow, ca. 0.5 mm wide, margin irregularly denticulate; beak ca. 1 mm, apices 2, crossed, ca. 1/2 as long as beak. Fl. and fr. Jul-Sep.

* Sandy places in valleys. Qinghai (Qaidam Pendi), Xizang (Gyangzê, Xigazê).