The plain green leaves of A. orientale appear in autumn followed in late spring by the flowers borne on a poker-shaped inflorescence called a spadix, which is partially enclosed in a pale green spathe or leaf-like hood, often with purple spotting.

[2] In late spring and early summer, the lower ring of (female) flowers forms a cluster of bright red berries which remain after the spathe and other leaves have withered away.

The berries contain oxalates of saponins which have needle-shaped crystals which irritate the skin, mouth, tongue, and throat, and result in swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, burning pain, and upset stomach.

However, their acrid taste, coupled with the almost immediate tingling sensation in the mouth when consumed, means that large amounts are rarely taken, and serious harm is unusual.

Several characteristics set the two species apart including the tuber, which is horizontal with A. maculatum but discoid with A. orientale.