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).