Bulb scales: large 6-15; small 30-190. Stem 2-6 dm. Leaves in 1-3 whorls of 5-9 leaves per node proximally, alternate distally, 4-10 cm, usually shorter than inflorescence; blade narrowly to broadly lanceolate; distal leaves usually ± equaling proximalmost leaf. Flowers spreading to nodding, odor unpleasant; tepals dark greenish brown to brownish purple, sometimes streaked or spotted with yellow, oblong-elliptic to elliptic-obovate, 2-3 cm, apex not recurved; nectaries obscure, same color as tepals, linear, ± equaling tepal length; style obviously branched for 2/3 its length, branches longer than 1.5 mm. Capsules cylindric-ovoid. 2n = 24, 36.

Flowering May--Jul. Moist areas from near tideflats to mountain meadows; 0--1000 m; B.C.; Alaska, Oreg., Wash.; Asia (Japan, Russia).

Coastal Native Americans used bulbs of this species for food. Often the bulbs were dried and later added to other foods, especially soups and fish dishes.