This is a small tufted perennial rush with long strap-like green leaves to 1 m high. This tall, slender, yellow flower spike appears from the leaf base in the early growing season and persists for many weeks. As the spike matures, the structure is replaced by a tan, fruit-bearing shaft, composed of attractive clusters of small nutlets. This species is extremely hardy and tolerant of climatic extremes and most soil conditions. Widely grown for soil stabilisation.