This is a perennial plant that grows from short, stout, rhizomes (underground stems). The leaves are broad, oblong to elliptic, and with prominent ribs running their length. The pale-green flowers appear in numerous, terminal clusters with drooping tassels. The fruits are small capsules that contain papery seeds. This species occurs in bet areas such as thickets, meadows, bogs and swamps, and usually open forests. It may be found from low to subalpine elevations throughout the coast.