It has numerous woody stems, alternating waxy leaves and clusters of small white flowers.

It has an extensive root network, known to reach 9 ft (2.7 m) in depth, and constituting 40% of the total biomass of the plant.

[3] The plant is most invasive in wetland habitats, including riparian zones; from there it easily spreads to other ecosystems, such as sagebrush.

[3] It is perceived as a threat to salt marshes in southern New Hampshire, prompting the Department of Environmental Services and the U.S.

The peppery edge or bitterness is removed by first boiling the young shoots and leaves, and then soaking in water for two days.