• Leaves/stem: sterile stem; whorled branches that grow horizontal, leaves reduced to toothed sheath that surrounds the stem, with 8 to 19 teeth that are dark brown with white edging, stem has small central cavity; branches are solid and rough to touch
• Spores: fertile stems; not like sterile stems, blunt-tipped 1-inch cone at the tip, pale pink to brownish, no branches, after spores are released stem changes and resembles sterile stems
• Fruiting season: Mid-late spring
• Height: 8-16 inches
• Habitat: moist woods, wet meadows