Stems strictly erect, simple or branching above, 2–8 dm, moderately to densely farinose. Leaves nonaromatic; petiole 0.4–1 cm; blade linear to narrowly lanceolate, or oblong-elliptic, (1- or)3-veined, 1.5–4.2(–6) × 0.4–1(–1.4) cm, thick and somewhat fleshy, base cuneate, margins entire or with pair of lobes near base, apex acute, abaxial surface densely to sparingly white-mealy. Inflorescences glomerules in terminal and axillary panicles, 1–13 × 0.15–0.5 cm; glomerules usually densely disposed, maturing irregularly; bracts leaflike. Flowers: perianth segments (4–)5, distinct nearly to base; lobes oblong-ovate, 0.8–1 × 0.5–0.7 mm, apex obtuse, rounded or emarginate, strongly keeled along midvein, densely farinose, usually spreading from fruit; stamens (4–)5; stigmas 2, 0.2 mm. Utricles ovoid; pericarp nonadherent, smooth. Seeds round, 0.9–1.3 mm diam., margins rounded; seed coat black, rugulate. 2n = 18.
