UW Burke Herbarium species comparison

Leaves with sheathing stipules, petiolate, numerous, highly variable, the blades 2-4 cm. long, linear to ovate, usually with spreading, basal, triangular lobes.

Basal leaves with sheathing stipules and long petioles, the blade oblong-lanceolate, 1-3 dm. long and up to 5 cm. wide, rounded or wedge-shaped at the base;

cauline leaves reduced upward; all leaves with irregularly curled margins.

Inflorescence an open, leafless, reddish, narrow panicle;

flowers imperfect;

pedicels slender, longer than the flowers, jointed immediately under the flower;

perianth about 1 mm. long, erect, only slightly larger than the fruit and closely investing it;

styles 3.

Inflorescence a large, compact panicle, the branches nearly erect, leafy-bracteate to mid-length;

pedicels slender, 1.5-2 times as long as the flowers, with a swollen joint well below mid-length;

flowers perfect; outer 3 perianth segments ascending, 1.5 mm. long; inner 3 segments deltoid-ovate with a truncate base, 4-5 mm. long, usually with an oblong, veiny and pitted lump at the base;

styles 3.

Achene smooth.

Achene 1.5-2 mm. long, smooth.