Herbs perennial, erect or ± spreading, branching at base and beyond, (3–)4–7(–7.8) dm. Stems: internodes 4-lined. Leaves ascending to widely spreading, sessile; blade narrowly lanceolate (linear-lanceolate on axillary branches), 10–40(–55) × 5–10(–13) mm, <longer than internodes>, leathery, margins plane, apex acute to acuminate, <densely gland-dotted>, basal vein 1, midrib with inconspicuous branches. Inflorescences cylindric, to 40-flowered; branching mostly dichasial, <subsidiary branches usually with relatively smaller leaves>. Flowers: 8–15+ mm diam.; sepals lanceolate, unequal (outer slightly wider than inner), 3–6(–7.5) × 1.1–1.8(–2.2) mm, <margins sometimes ciliate, not setulose-ciliate>, apex acute or acuminate; petals orange-yellow, obovate, 5–10 mm; stamens 50–80, filaments basally connate; styles 2–4 mm; stigmas capitate. Capsules ovoid, 5 × 3–4 mm. Seeds 0.4–0.8 mm; testa linear-pitted. 2n = 24.

Flowering late spring–fall (May–)Jun–Sep(–Oct). Granitic outcrops; 500–800 m; N.C.