The "fringed" designation comes from the finely toothed margins of the petals and sepals. The fruit is berrylike. This species is a member of the Heather Family although it shows little obvious resemblance to other heathers.

Known from one location near the Nisqually entrance, this rare, leafless plant forms a symbiotic relationship with conifers and fungi. The stem is stout and fleshy, and the plants about four inches tall.