Although plants in some areas are threatened, overall the species is stable and is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.

The raceme inflorescence is very tall, reaching a maximum of 4 m (12 ft).

The fruits are capsules 1 to 3 centimeters long and containing black seed.

In the UK it has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[5][6] The plant was used for food and fiber by local Native American peoples such as the Havasupai.