Patch-forming, with erect stems 2-3 cm tall. The shoots resemble miniature palm trees, with yellow-green branches at the tip of the stems. Stems tend to be longer when available moisture is higher. Capsules are rare.

Prefers damp places, with variable water levels such as the edges of lakes and reservoirs, flushes, wet grassland, damp scrub and woodland.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.