This trillium species, sometimes commonly called bloody butcher, has unbranched, naked stems topped by three, evenly-spaced, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Leaves are mottled with purple. The flower features purple to brownish-purple, erect petals with three reflexed (turned down) sepals. Blooms appear to be stalkless atop the center of the three-leaf whorl. The clump-forming plants develop from thick, underground rhizomes and will spread slowly if left undisturbed. Foliage will usually die to the ground by mid-summer, particularly if the soil is allowed to dry out.