Erect, perennial herb; leaves alternate, broad and strap-like, clasping at the base and with conspicuous parallel veins. 15 - 30 cm ovate leaves end in a sharp point; strongly ribbed; mostly parallel veins; clasps onto a stout, downy stem. A stout plant with large leaves clasping stem that bears a branching cluster of greenish, star-shaped, hairy flowers. The ribbed, yellow-green leaves of this wetland plant are conspicuous in spring; the plant withers away before summer. Veratrum viride is a perennial growing to 2m.

Requires a deep fertile moisture retentive humus-rich soil. Succeeds in full sun if the soil does not dry out but prefers a position in semi-shade. Dislikes dry soils, preferring to grow in a bog garden. Grows best in a cool woodland garden or a north facing border. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Plants are long-lived and can be left in the same position for years without attention.

The stem is roundish, solid, striated throughout the greater part of its length, and closely invested with the sheathing bases of leaves. The lower leaves are large. The upper leaves are gradually narrower.