It is a common and widespread, slender ground orchid with a single leaf and up to five small white to pale pink flowers.

[2][3][4][5] This orchid was first formally described in 1805 by Jacques Labillardière who gave it the name Epipactis cucullata and published the description in Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen.

[1] The specific epithet (cucullatus) is a Latin word meaning "hooded"[7] and the common name, "parson's bands" refers to the white (or pink) lateral sepals resembling a clerical collar.

[9] It grows in a wide range of habitats, from grassland to forest and from coastal areas to subalpine zones.

[2][4] Eriochilus cucullatus is sometimes grown in pots by orchid enthusiasts but requires specialist techniques.