Perennial herb, 15-60 cm tall, with subterranean, fleshy, layered bulbs, conical in shape, containing 2-5 fleshy scales, covered with pale yellow to brownish-brown membranous skin. Stems and leaves are smooth and powdery. Leaves are 3-5, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, entire and wavy-edged, with the first 2-3 leaves larger, broadly ovate, others on the stem, long lanceolate, smaller. Flowers are solitary at the top of the stem, large, upright, cup-shaped, with 6 separate petals, opening during the day and closing at dusk or on rainy days. Flower colors include white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and bicolors, with some varieties having double petals, measuring 5-7 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. Natural blooming period is from April to May. There are 6 stamens, equal in length, with hairless filaments; no style, the stigma is enlarged and chicken-comb-like. There is one pistil, with a 3-chambered capsule containing 200-300 flat seeds.