Native perennial with an unbranched stem up to 3 feet tall.  The alternate, stalked leaves are deeply divided into radiating, almost linear segments (B).  On the upper stem are 5-30 alternate, flowers on short stalks (A) consisting of 5 white petal-like sepals, each with a purplish-brown spot (C),  the upper one arching back into a long spur (E).  A close look inside the flower reveals 4 small white petals, the lower 2 covered with long, feathery hairs (bearded) and numerous brown anthers (D,E).  The flower is replaced by a cluster of 3 pointed cylindrical pods (F) which eventually split releasing the seeds.