Erect, pale green, hairless perennial, somewhat woody at the base and generally branching above. Several to many erect, leafy stems from an underground stolon. Most stems about 39 inches or a bit taller. Stem has noticeable ridges running lengthwise.
Erect, very leafy stems with exfoliating bark and alternate or nearly opposite, sessile (without a petiole) leaves; flowers mostly solitary in the axils, forming slender, leafy spikes.The pedicels (flower stalks) are short.
Habitat
Grows in moist soil near water from the deserts to the mountains.
Flower Characteristics
There are 4 to 6 purple flowers, sometimes more, along the upper third of the stem. The sepals form a short tube which opens out into 6 soft petals, 3/4 to 1 inch across.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The leaves are attached at the base, alternate to almost opposite, and linear-lanceolate in shape. The stems are erect, branched, ridged, hairless, and leafy.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Many seeded capsule is closely enveloped by the calyx, which is vertically pleated.