Chamerion angustifolium is an erect herb with a striking, tall purple spikelike inflorescence. The four thin reddish sepals alternate with four lavender, raquet shaped petals. The white filaments terminate in large red anthers. The leaves are linear-lanceolate and have a white central vein.

Infrequent to rare in the open in newly made clearings and in wet soil about lakes, marshes, and interdunal flats. Rarely in dry sandy soil in woodland.