General:
Perennial, strongly tufted herb in large, dense clusters from compact rhizomes; stems smooth or finely lined with 30 to 60 longitudinal ridges, 30-120 cm tall.

Leaves:
Reduced to short sheaths at the base of the stem.

Flowers:
Inflorescence with numerous flowers and branches, 3-12 cm long, appearing as if on the side of the stem; perianth segments green or light brown, 3-6 mm long, pointed, subequal; stamens 3; anthers about as long as the filaments; involucral bract 5-25 cm long, cylindrical, resembling a continuation of the stem, smooth or finely lined with 30 to 60 longitudinal ridges.

Fruits:
Capsules, egg-shaped, rounded on the tops, slightly shorter than the perianth segments; seeds ellipsoid, 0.5 mm long, lacking tail-like appendages.

Notes:
Variable species with several varieties recognized in our area

1. Perianth segments greenish with little or no brownish borders, stiff when dry...................... var. pacificus Fern. & Wieg.

1. Perianth segments deep brown with green midribs, soft when dry.

2. Uppermost sheaths closed, leathery, lustrous, and chestnut brown throughout........................ var. gracilis Hook.

2. Uppermost sheaths looser, membranaceous, dull greenish-brown above............................ var. brunneus Engelm.

Source:  The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia