Plants 1.5-3.5(-4) dm. Leaves erect to spreading, 10-40 × 0.1-0.3 cm; sheaths (4-)5-8(-10) × 0.5-0.9 cm. Inflorescences: bracts thin, membranous and whitish or sometimes chartaceous and greenish, triangular to awl-shaped, 0.3-2 cm. Flowers numerous; perianth 1-2 cm, tube 0.4-0.8(-1) cm; anthers 2.5-3 mm; style 3-4 mm; pedicel erect, peglike, 1 mm, concealed by bracts. Capsules 0.4-0.6 cm. Seeds 2-2.5 mm.

Flowering spring (Apr--Jun). Sandy flats, dunes; 1300--1800 m; Ariz., Utah.