Stems of 2 types : fertile (20 to 40 cm tall) without chlorophyl, disappearing before the growth of the green sterile stems (up to 1 m tall) bearing branches.

Spore casings on a cone at the tip of the fertile stems

Growth of the fertile stems in spring. Leaves disappearing in winter.

Moist places : fields, woods, meadows, waste places, river banks.

Mainly on the Vercors foothills (St Thomas en Royans, St Nazaire en Royans, ....). Also on the plateau : moist slopes near "Les Ecouges".