Robust and tall, up to 90 cm; can form small clumps. Leaves broad, strongly ribbed, arranged spirally up the stem. Up to 100 flowers borne in a one-sided spike. Ovary strongly ribbed and smooth. Sepals blunt, upper petals smaller and pinkish. Lip divided into a cup-shaped hypochile, dark red and sticky within, and a pinkish, wedge shaped epichile, the tip strongly reflexed. The base of the epichile bears two rough, brown bosses. Flower colour varies from greenish where plants grow in shade to deep reddish-brown in sunny sites. Chlorotic plants, where all parts are pale yellowish-green, have been reported widely.
I have found this orchid in many many places, all in PA. Mercer County, Somerset County, Westmoreland County are but a couple counties I have found it in. Mainly I have found it along roadsides.
