[1] This rhizomatous perennial herb produces colonies of plants with stems that may exceed 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in length.

These stems grow upright to erect and may be crooked or nearly straight, often becoming thick and purple with age.

The flower heads are borne in branching arrays on purplish stems.

At the center are disk florets in shades of cream and yellow to purple or brown.

[4] This plant grows in many habitats, including woody and marshy areas as well as roadsides.