Achlorophyllous, mycotrophic, firm-fleshy, perennial herb. Stems erect, to 30 cm, unbranched, waxy-white, aging to coal-black; dead stalks hardened, often persisting into the next growing season. Leaves bract-like, alternate, sessile, ovate, white. Inflorescence a solitary, terminal, nodding flower, becoming erect in fruit. Flowers hypogynous, waxy-white, 5-merous; sepals lacking; uppermost stem bracts sepaloid; petals separate, oblong-spatulate; stamens 10; ovary superior. Fruit an ovoid, 5-chambered capsule (Stickney in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).