Stems usually papillose to hispid, rarely glabrous. Perianth segments with prominent midvein and rigid, subspinose apex. Bracteoles distinct, not swollen.

Flowering late summer-fall. Seashores, salt marshes, sandy beaches in coastal regions, other saline maritime habitats, very rarely in ruderal inland habitats; 0-10 m; introduced; St. Pierre and Miquelon; N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., P.E.I., Que.; Conn., Del., Maine, Md., Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Pa., R.I., S.C., Va.; Europe.