Distribution: Occurring west of the Cascades crest in Washington; also in Oregon, otherwise widespread east of the Mississippi River.

Habitat: Brackish swamps, acid bogs, tidal flats and beaches.

Flowers: June - July

Origin: Introduced from eastern North America

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Wind

Tufted perennials, the stems erect, smooth, 3-10 dm. tall.

Leaves alternate, 1 basal and 2 cauline, the blades terete, 7-22 cm. long and 1-3 mm. broad; leaf bases sheathing, forming rounded, scarious auricles about 1 mm. long.

Inflorescence a panicle or raceme with 3-50 heads, 2-20 cm. long, the branches ascending, the heads 5- to 50-flowered; outer 3 tepals 2.7-3.8 mm. long, the inner 3 tepals slightly longer, all green or straw-colored to reddish-brown, lanceolate; stamens usually 3.

Capsule lanceolate, 3.3-4.5 mm. long, chestnut brown, acute.