Plants cespitose, not matted. Stems erect, simple or branched proximally, 25–65 cm, glabrous. Leaves: sheath (5–)8–18(–25) mm, 3–8 times as long as stem diam.; blade linear to spatulate, 3–7(–13) cm, green, margins glabrous. Inflorescences dense, 4–15(–20+)-flowered heads; bracts lanceolate, equaling or longer than calyx, herbaceous to scarious, apex aristate; bracteoles 4 or 6, brown, oblong-obovate to oblanceolate, 2/3–3/4 times as long as calyx, scarious, apex aristate in distal 1/3–1/5. Pedicels 0.1–2 mm. Flowers subsessile; calyx 40–45-veined, 10–15 mm, glabrous, lobes ovate, 3–4 mm; petals deep pink to scarlet or purple, bearded, 10–15 mm, apex dentate. Capsules 8–10 mm, slightly shorter than calyx. Seeds 1.6–2 mm. 2n = 30, 60 (both Europe).
