Cyperus marginatus is a tufted, perennial, sedge with short underground creepers. It has green long leaves with rounded culms/stems. The flowers are spikelets of solitary, reddish-brown glumes. These are borne during summer and are followed by small oblong nutlets. The plant is common along riverines and floodplains usually in areas with shallow water.
Cyperus marginatus is often found among rocks and is often found as a border for small pools. It is ideal to be used as a border around ponds/pools it is an attractive feature and the spikelets of inflorescence makes for an interesting feature and contrasts against the green leaves and culms.