E. arenarius: stems 2-4 feet high; leaves stiff, glaucous, rolled inwards on the edges, ending in a hard point; spike close, 3-4 inches to 8-9 inches long, the spikelets in rather distant pairs; glumes lanceolate. - Maritime sands. Fl. July.

E. geniculatus is a related plant, with the spike much elongated and abruptly bent down, the spikelets distant, and the glumes enlarged, awl-shaped. - Salt marshes, rare.