Stems sometimes prostrate and stolon- or rhizomelike with scaly leaves, 7-20(-30) cm; above-ground stem not densely leafy. Leaves of main stems clasping at base, leaves of main stem sometimes connate, arched-spreading; blade linear, terete or subterete, at least in distal ¹/2, 5-20(-30) × 0.7-1.5 mm, apex sharply acute or apiculate, sometimes retuse. Inflorescences solitary, sessile flowers, or if 2-3-flowered, additional flowers short-pedicelled. Flowers: perianth segments erect, pinkish to yellowish brown, 1-veined, ovate, 2-3.3 mm; stamens included; filaments shortly connate basally; style longer than stigmatic branches. Utricles concealed by persistent calyx. Seeds brown, ca 1.2 mm. 2n = 18. Flowering spring-summer. Relatively moist, alkaline flats or meadows, 400-1900 m; Calif., Nev., Oreg., Utah. Nitrophila occidentalis often occurs with Distichlis, Juncus, and Sarcobatus.

Plant: perennial, glabrous, rhizomed, 7-30 cm; stem decumbent to erect; branches paired; internodes = or > leaves Leaves: opposite, 5-16 mm, linear to oblong, fleshy, sessile to clasping INFLORESCENCE: axillary; bracts generally 2, unequal; flowers 1-3 per cluster Flowers: sepals 5(-7), 1-2 mm, white or pink, becoming white, enclosing fruit, papery; sides overlapping; back ribbed; stamens 5, included; stigmas 2, persistent in fruit Fruit: Moist, alkaline soils Misc: < 1500 m.; May-Oct