Asian Scalystem is a stemless perennial herb with one to several unbranched flowering stems, up to 30 cm. Stems are covered with overlapping bracts, hence the common name. Leaves occur in a rosette at the base. They are obovate, 4-10 cm long. Flowers are obrne in spikes held in tight, overlapping bracts. Bracts and flowering stem bluish green. Flowers are white, lower lip and lateral lobes spreading, 2-lobed. This plant is often found on often on rocky or sandy soils.