Disa ferruginea is a sturdy, reed-like terrestrial plant that typically grows between 200 and 450 mm tall.

The median sepal has an apiculate tip, and a galea (hood-like structure) is 8 to 10 mm deep.

[2][3]The species is endemic to the South-Western Cape of South Africa, specifically in the fynbos vegetation.

Disa ferruginea is occasionally or commonly found in dry to slightly damp areas, usually in the zone of the southeaster clouds, ranging from 400 to 1,500 m. It is pollinated by the mountain pride butterfly and hybridizes very rarely with D. graminifolia.

In south-western Cape, a red-flowered form mimics the red reedpipe (Tritioniopsis triticea), while in the Langeberg Mountains, an orange-flowered form mimics the red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria).