The lateral sepals curve forwards, have a tapering tip, 10–18 mm (0.4–0.7 in) long and there is a deeply notched sinus between them.

[2][3][4][5] Pterostylis nutans was first described in 1810 by Robert Brown and the description was published in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.

[7] Nodding greenhoods often occur in large colonies in moist, protected forest environments and is native to the Australian states of South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as the Australian Capital Territory.

[9][10] This greenhood is pollinated by a particular species of fungus gnat, attracted by a kairomone produced by the flower's labellum.

The plants require regular watering during their growing period, to be kept dry during dormancy and to be repotted annually.