Single bract short, deciduous, with a beak-like apex. Flower heads 3-7 cm diameter. 1-4.5 cm long. Bracts 2, long-tapered, unequal. Seeds dull black, minutely wrinkled.
Leaves die back in summer, but old scapes with capsules can persist into fall or winter.
Disturbed sites, vineyards, orchards, cultivated areas. Plants thrive in areas that receive summer moisture. Also vegetable crops, turf. Grows best on heavy, fertile soils. Tolerates wet soils.