Flowers bisexual , fragrant. Panicles terminal and on axillary branch tips, typically 20-35 cm long . Sepals white to pinkish, 5-7 mm long , outer 2 narrower than inner 3, not keeled or winged in flower or fruit. Fruits with sepals 2-8 mm long . Sepals narrowly winged .
Sepals lack wings .
Fruits with sepals 12-15 mm long . Sepals broadly winged . Above ground parts die during the cold season, but the red-brown, often arched, grooved, hollow stems with zigzag twigs can persist through winter. Sometimes a few fruits cling to twigs. Disturbed moist sites, roadsides, riparian and wetland areas.