This is a smooth perennial herb with an upright or ascending stem, typically reddish at the base. Its leaves are simple, arranged alternately along the stem, with lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate blades, pointed tips, and narrowed bases that connect to the petioles. The inflorescence consists of branched racemes at the tips of the plant, bearing pink flowers without glands. The seeds are shiny black and biconvex.