This grass-like plant is one of the blackest-leaved plants in nature, and is not a grass, but a member of the Lily family. It is a short clump-forming evergreen hardy perennial which spreads by means of underground runners. It grows to around 20cm tall, and bears spikes (racemes) of purple bell-shaped flowers in summer, followed by black-purple berries. Its leaves are useful in arrangements when grouped, to give a strong contrast of colour against other foliages.