Calochilus imperiosus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single leaf which is half developed at flowering time, 350–580 mm (10–20 in) long, 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 in) wide when fully developed.

The lateral sepals are a similar length but about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide.

[2] Calochilus imperiosus was first formally described in 2004 by David Jones and the description was published in The Orchadian from specimens collected south of Cooktown.

[3] The specific epithet (imperiosus) is a Latin word meaning "possessed of command", "mighty" or "domineering".

[4] The imperial beard orchid grows in grassland and grassy woodland or forest between Cooktown and Herberton in north Queensland and near Kapalga in Kakadu National Park.