This native perennial grows up to 5 feet tall. Its erect stems are unbranched at the base, but have several upright, flower-bearing branches above(B). Characteristic whorls of 3-8 sharply toothed leaves, are widely spaced along the stem (B). Individual leaves are up to 6 inches long and are widest in their mid-portion (up to 1 inch) tapering slowly to a pointed tip (C). Flowers are borne on elongated candelabra-like spikes (A) which, when in flower, taper significantly at the tip.  Individual flowers are small, white or pale pink tubes 1/4 inch long which divide into 4 separate, very short petals at the tip. Protruding from the tip are 2 brownish-red to yellow stamens and a single style, the styles persisting for a while after the petals drop (D).