It is also an introduced species in parts of North America such as California and the Gulf Coast.

The dwarf rush is a small annual herb not exceeding ten centimeters in height.

The pointed bracts at the base of the inflorescence are often over a centimeter long, longer the flower cluster itself, and are somewhat leaflike, giving the species its common name.

[4] The dwarf rush is native to Europe, West Asia and North and East Africa.

[4] It germinates in autumn and grows in places where water stands in winter and which dry up completely in summer, meaning the plant faces little competition.