Widest leaf 2-2.9(-3.5) mm wide. Inflorescence: longest peduncle of staminate spike (6.3-)8.1-15.9 cm; terminal spike usually surpassing bract blade of distal lateral spike. Perigynia 7-10-veined, 2-3.4 mm, apex barely excurved. Fruiting spring. Mesic to dry-mesic, deciduous or mixed deciduous-evergreen forests, mixed soils; 0-400 m; Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Md., Miss., Mo., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.