Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east to the Atlantic Coast; Europe.

Habitat: Marshes and wet, low ground; tolerent of alkali.

Flowers: May-August

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Wind

Herbaceous perennials from rhizomes, the culms triangular, 1.5-10 dm. tall, somewhat scattered.

Leaves several, all near the base, firm, usually elongate and channeled or folded and 1-2 mm. wide, or flat and 2-4 mm. wide.

: Inflorescence a compact cluster of 1-6 sessile spikelets, 7-20 mm. long, subtended by a green bract 2-15 cm. long, like a continuation of the stem; flowers subtended by thin, translucent scales, yellowish- or reddish-brown to blackish-purple, the mid-rib exerted as a short awn; perianth bristles 4-6, unequal; stamens usually 3; style bifid or trifid.

Achenes 2.2-3.3 mm. long, including the stylar beak, and 1.6-2.3 mm. wide.