The American columbo is a monocarpic perennial, meaning it blooms only once after several growing seasons and then dies. During its flowering stage, its 3 to 6-inch lance-shaped leaves, typically arranged in whorls of four, emerge along a round, elongated stem. The plant produces a panicle of 50 to 100 flowers, which mature into fruit shortly afterward. The flowers are about 1 inch wide, tall, and spike-like, with green to yellow petals speckled with purple. These are perfect and complete flowers, containing four stamens and two carpels. The seed capsules are oblong, brownish, and approximately 1/2 inch in length. The entire plant can grow to heights exceeding 7 feet. It thrives in moist yet well-drained conditions with stony, peaty soil.