Stems procumbent or erect, branches spirally twisted, to 10 (-50) cm, glabrous to densely pubescent. Leaves green, 3-8(-12) × 1 mm, base somewhat clasping, hyaline, not bristly, apex softly spine-tipped. Bracts: distalmost at least 3 times perianth length. Bracteoles ca. equaling perianth length. Seeds 1-1.5 mm. 2n = 18.

Flowering summer-fall. Sandy soils; 0-200 m; introduced; B.C.; c, s Europe to e Russia.

Once considered weedy, this species has been collected rarely in recent years.