Margins finely serrate. Sheaths closed, membranous, pale green. Stems to 0.9 m tall. Stems to 0.4 m tall. Leaves shorter than flowering stems , dark green, 3-6 mm wide.
Rhizomes produce tubers and basal bulbs that bear aerial shoots.
Tubers store starch and have several buds that produce rhizomes, which develop more basal bulbs and new plants. Roots often grow to greater soil depths than tubers or rhizomes. Rhizomes slender, fleshy when young, covered with scales. Rhizomes terminate with a tuber , break easily. Tubers taste mildly almond-like .