Torrey's bulrush is a graminoid, 5-10dm tall, with erect stems, ovate scales, and bristles that are longer than the achene. It has with 1-4 light brown spikes in a head, ovoid, and 8-15 mm, the style is 3-parted. Its fruits are compressed achenes, three-angled, obovoid, 3.2-4mm including the prominent apiculus. It has several elongate leaves that often surpass the culm.
Its elongate leaves that are more than half as long as the culms and its trifid style distinguish it from similar species.