The flowers are white or dark violet and grow in a cluster at the top of a long stalk that grows out of the axis of the leaves, and rise above it. The flowers are about 1/4 - 1/2 inch long and look rather like a shuttlecock for playing badmitten. The leaves are sharply toothed and have a waterstained appearance.
This flower was found in early May in deep woods. The flower is found from southern Canada south to North Carolina and west to Eastern Kansas.