it is an herbaceous hardy perennial growing from a pointed bulb 3 to 6 cm wide and producing two basal leaves which are sometimes spotted with brown. the reddish-green stalks grow up to tall and each bears one to three nodding, slightly scented flowers in spring. the flower has yellowish-white tepals 2 to 4 cm long, sometimes with red or brown banding or striping toward the bases. the stamens, anthers, and stigma are whitish in color.