Monoecious, rhizomatous, submersed, aquatic perennials. Stems filiform, branched 15–50 cm. Leaves mostly opposite, filiform, 2–10 cm long; stipules membranous, deciduous, 1–4 mm long. Inflorescence axillary cymes. Flowers unisexual, without a perianth; male flowers 1 stamen; female flowers of 4 or 5 pistils, distinct; ovaries superior. Fruits a curved-oblong, compressed, pedicellate achene 2–3 mm long with a curved beak 1–2 mm long (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Shallow, fresh to alkaline water of ponds, lakes, ditches; plains, valleys, montane(
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).