Perennial herbaceous plants. Strong stems are not hollow and often have remnants of petioles at their bases. Alternately arranged petiolate leaves. The leaf blade is broad and, as a rule, two- and three times pinnate; the shape can be completely different for each species. The inflorescences are large in diameter and contain many white or yellowish-white flowers. Bracts are usually numerous and present on all sides, and they are narrow lanceolate or narrow triangular. The flowers have radial symmetry and double perianth.
Pruning out these dead fronds also improves airflow around the plant, which helps reduce fungal or mold problems.