Leaves lanceolate to broadly ovate. Inflorescences: bracts papillose. Flowers: sepals papillose. 2n = 22. Flowering summer--fall. Brackish marshes near coast; 0--50 m; Ala., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N.C., S.C., Tex., Va.; coastal s Mexico; Central America; South America (Colombia and Ecuador).