Chamerion angustifolium is an erect herb with a striking, tall purple spikelike inflorescence. The four thin reddish sepals alternate with four lavender, raquet shaped petals. The white filaments terminate in large red anthers. The leaves are linear-lanceolate and have a white central vein.

From Flora of Indiana (1940) by Charles C. Deam

Infrequent to rare in the open in newly made clearings and in wet soil about lakes, marshes, and interdunal flats. Rarely in dry sandy soil in woodland.