Annual, glabrous. Stems 12–18 in. long, tufted, triquetrous, almost 3-winged. Leaves 1/2 the length of the stem, 1/5 in. broad. Umbel in appearance simple, of 3–5 very unequal rays, lower up to 8 in. long; bracts 3–4, similar to the leaves, lowest about as long as the umbel. Spikelets 3–5 together, shortly spicate, up to 1 by 1/4 in., moderately flattened, 16–24-flowered, pallid, tinged with rose. Glumes concave, obtuse, obscurely keeled, somewhat inflated, 3-nerved on the back; rhachilla not winged. Stamens 3; anthers shortly oblong. Nut 1/3 the length of the glume, obovoid, acutely triquetrous; style shorter than the nut; branches 3, little exserted.