Rhizomes thick. Culms densely cespitose, reddish, 6--30 cm x 2 mm. Leaves: basal leaves numerous, blade to 20 cm x 4--6 mm, sometimes longer than stem, apex long-pointed to 12 mm, mostly glabrous; cauline leaves 2--3. Inflorescences 5--15 cm, width 1/2 to equaling length; branches widely spreading to 90°, stiff, not drooping; proximal bract inconspicuous, less than 2 cm; bracts and bracteoles clear, margins slightly lacerate, often with a few cilia. Flowers solitary; tepals pale brown with reddish tint, 1.8--2.4 mm, apex reflexed, long-acuminate; outer whorl slightly longer than inner whorl; anthers ± equaling filaments; stigmas 3 times style length. Capsules deep reddish brown, shorter to slightly longer than tepals. Seeds light brown, 1.2 mm.

Flowering and fruiting summer. Subalpine forest to alpine granitic slopes; 2100--3700 m; Calif., Idaho, Nev., Ore., Wash.

The culms of Luzula divaricata are reddish colored.