The plant may grow to 1.5 m. Masses of fuzzy white flowers blooming in late summer are quite distinct. Flowers lack petals but have four small sepals and numerous thread-like yellow stamens. It is worthwhile to walk the trails every week in late spring and early summer to view the full array of wildflowers carpeting the forest floor. From 5 to 10 slender, shiny leaves are arranged in a whorl. The star-shaped flowers are white with from 6 to 8 petals.
Berries are delicious fresh or preserved.
Leaves are narrow, oval and pointed. Dark blue berries appear in late summer. Fruit ripens after being exposed to frost and is easier to pick from a frozen bog. The berries make excellent jam. Alternate, evergreen, leathery leaves are pointed and have margins rolled inward.