It is known to occur in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

[1] These plants are smaller than most other species in the genus, usually no more than 30 centimetres (12 in) tall, with comparatively inconspicuous flowers and leaves.

As implied by both scientific and common names, the (lanceolate) leaves are notably narrow, about 2.5 times as long as they are broad, with the widest portion being more-or-less central.

The petals are usually maroon or brownish-maroon, quite erect, and more slender than in most other species of Trillium.

[9] Trillium lancifolium typically occurs in shady upland hardwood forests, but can be found in various other communities with some shade.