Caespitose or stoloniferous perennials, to 80 cm. Leaves basal or subbasal, shorter than stem; reduced leaves often on lower half of stem. Inflorescence a spike or a small multiple spike; spikes with numerous spirally arranged glumes and bisexual flowers; perianth bristles numerous, in fruiting stage finally to 4-5 cm long, white or brownish; stigmas and stamens mostly 3.