Bulb ellipsoid or infrequently ellipsoid-ovoid, 28–54 × 18–30 mm, usually with blackish, fibrous tunic. Leaves 25–55 cm × 6–12 mm, mature plants with blackish, shriveled foliage at base of scape; blade bluish green. Scape 71–99 cm, often with 2–5 ascending branches, 4–6 mm thick at base. Inflorescences: terminal raceme (8–)12–35(–49) cm; flowers (20–) 30–36(–46) per 10 cm of raceme. Flowers: tepals purplish black with pale green central vein, oblong-lanceolate, 9–12 × 2 mm; stamens seldom exposed at anthesis; filaments 5–8 mm; anthers purple. Capsules ellipsoid to ellipsoid-ovoid, 7–11 × 5–8 mm. Seeds black, 5 mm.

Flowering Jun--Jul, fruiting Jul--Aug. Ultramafic river-beds that have year-round water in rooting horizon and wet, open, sunny bogs; of conservation concern; 500--700 m; Oreg.