[3] It has a broad natural habitat, which includes mesic to dry forests and woodlands, prairies, bluffs, and rock outcrops.

Stem leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with 3 lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate leaflets measuring 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long.

[4] The inflorescence is a compound, flat umbel with very small flowers at the end of the upper stems.

[8] The flowers are golden yellow or dark maroon, produced in mid to late spring (ranging from April-June regionally).

[4][5] The yellow-flowered variety of Thaspium trifoliatum bears a striking resemblance to Zizia aptera, with which it is frequently misidentified when not in fruit.