Stems stout, erect, to 1 m high; rootstock short, stout. Leaves all basal, erect; laminae 8-20 × 3-10 cm, ovate, subacute, rounded or subcordate at base; petiole long. Inflorescence a large, much-branched panicle; branches whorled, ± straight, usually ascending, basally bracteate. Flowers usually pale lilac, c. 1 cm diam., pedicels slender, bracteate; sepals oblong; petals rounded. Achenes c. 20, c. 2.5 mm long, rounded, compressed, in a dense circular head; persistent style from below middle of inner edge of achene, ± straight; stigmatic portion occupying 1/8-1/5 of style-length.