Ravenfoot sedge is a graminoid with culms that are 40-80cm. It has a densely spicate inflorescences that's cylindric, and elongate, with 15-25 distinguishable branches. Perigynia are pale brown, red-brown distally, 10-12-veined abaxially, 5-veined adaxially. Beak is up to 4.5mm, mouth deeper abaxially, serrulate, apical teeth are somewhat spreading, achenes are ovate. All sheaths have blades, fronts are smooth, red spotted, indistinctly linearly veined, apex is red-brown, membranous, truncate, and minutely ciliate, blades are glaucous and not epistomic.
Distinguishing characteristics include its cespitose habit, 6-8mm perigynia with broad spongy bases and prominent beaks that are at least twice as long as the body of the perigynia, and the smooth front of leaf sheath that is dotted with red.