The leaves are alternately arranged on the stem, about 20–30 centimetres (8–12 inches) long, and comprising seven leaflets.

The fragrant pale pink or greenish-yellow pea-like flowers bloom in the summer.

[1] It is usually associated with openings in the forest canopy in mixed hardwood stands where ravine slopes grade into creek or stream bottoms.

[4] The threatened status of the species is primarily due to habitat destruction, but other impacts such as disease, predation, and historical tuber collection have also contributed.

[2][3] The plant was probably used as a food source by Indigenous peoples of the Americas and early white settlers.