Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east to the Rocky Mountains, northern Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and northeastern North America.

Habitat: Moist to fairly dry areas, coastal rain forest to alpine slopes.

Flowers: May-August

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Wind

Grass-like, tufted perennial from rhizomes, the stems 2-5 dm. tall, usually decumbent.

Basal leaves several; cauline leaves 2-4, 3-10 mm. broad.

Inflorescence a diffuse, nodding panicle up to 15 cm. long; bracts somewhat lacerate, often with marginal hairs; flowers usually borne singly; perianth greenish or tawny to purplish-brown, the 6 segments 1.5-2 mm. long; anthers 0.3-0.6 mm. long, shorter than the filaments; style 0.2-0.4 mm. long, the stigmas 1 mm. long.

Capsule ovoid, greenish to purplish-brown, equalling the perianth.