Stems usually branching, 20-80 cm. Leaves: basal persistent, 3-7 dm; blade linear, flat. Inflorescences 2-many-flowered. Flowers nodding; perianth ± closed at apex, ± oblong; sepals appressed to petals, ovate to lanceolate, 10-15 mm, glabrous, apex acuminate; petals usually white to pink, ± elliptic, 20-25 mm, sparsely ciliate, hairs distal to gland slender; glands ± depressed, proximal ciliate membrane 1/3-2/3 petal width; filaments equaling anthers; anthers oblong, apex obtuse or acute. Capsules nodding, winged, oblong, 2-4 cm, apex obtuse or acute. Seeds dark brown, irregular. 2n = 20.

Flowering mid spring--mid summer. Shaded places in open woods and brush; 0--2000 m; Calif.