E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

General:
Perennial, tufted herb from fibrous roots; stems erect, 20-70 cm tall.

Leaves:
Located on the lower part of the stem, nearly circular in cross-section, tapered, or grooved on the upper sides; sheaths with short, rounded ear-shaped lobes.

Flowers:
Inflorescence a terminal cluster of 10 to 50 flowers, appearing as if it is on the side of the stem; perianth segments greenish, 3.5-5 mm long, pointed, about equal; stamens 6; anthers about 0.8 mm long, about as long as the filaments; involucral bract grooved along the upper side, overtopping the inflorescence, resembling a continuation of the stem.

Fruits:
Capsules, cylindrical, blunt or notched at the tops, longer than the perianth segments, dark; seeds spindle-shaped, about 0.8-1.2 mm long, with tail-like appendages at each end.