Short, erect plant, 1/2 to 2 and 1/2 ft tall. Leaves spiraling up stalk, attached without leaf stalks (sessile), and slightly clasping the stem. Leaves rounded triangular, with a few very large teeth. Flowers arising from the base of the leaves; only a few in bloom towards the top, the lower going to fruit. Flowers blue violet to violet pink, with 5 petals. Fruit a small, brown capsule. Blooms spring into summer.

A charming little native, despite the fact that it grows like a weed in open places and along paths and roads. Occasional in Wildwood.

The star-shaped blooms growing from the bases of the small, tightly clasping leaves is distinctive and makes it easily identified.