This native perennial species is a member of the primrose family and is in the same genus as the showier fringed and garden loosestrife plants. It is a delicate species with most leaves and flowers in whorls of 4, though this number can vary from 3 to 6. The flowers are star-like with five yellow petals fusing to form a corolla tube. The flowers rise from the axils of the leaves. The center of the flower is dotted with red dots and streaks extending up the petals. Each flower is about ½ inch wide. There are 5 stamens and a single pistil that extends beyond the stamens.