Semi-woody, acaulescent perennials, sometimes with multiple rosettes. Leaves simple, linear-lanceolate, spine-tipped, concave in cross section, 15–50 cm × 3–6 mm, glaucous; margins white with curled, spreading fibers. Scape 20–40 cm. Inflorescence a raceme, 40–100 cm long with leaf-like bracts. Flowers perfect, regular, pendent, broadly overlapping; tepals 6, separate, elliptic, greenish white, 30–45 mm long; stamens 6, included; ovary superior; stigma 3-lobed. Fruit a 6-celled obovoid capsule, 3–6 cm long; seeds numerous, black, flattened (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).