The lateral sepals are joined for about half their length and suddenly taper to narrow tips 23–26 mm (0.91–1.0 in) long which turn sharply downwards.

[1][3][6] The specific epithet (recurva) is a Latin word meaning "bent backward"[7] referring to the downcurved lateral sepals.

[3] The jug orchid is found in woodland, shrubland, forest and in shallow soil on granite outcrops.

It grows in sand, clay, laterite and gravel soils and is common and widespread between Geraldton and Israelite Bay.

[3][4][5][8] Pterostylis recurva is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.