Leaves sessile, margins smooth . Upper leaves sometimes alternate. Foliage pale green, glabrous . Lower leaves opposite . Upper leaves usually alternate .
New shoots grow from the expanded crown in spring.
Roots can associate with mycorrhizae. Lower stems sometimes develop adventitious roots. Ovary superior but appears inferior, surrounded by and not fused to calyx tube. Calyx tube appendages linear, 2-3 mm long . Flowers solitary in axils.