Triosteum aurantiacum is a tall herbaceous perennial with opposite, entire leaves sessile or broadly winged at the base (i.e. there is no clear petiole). The fruit is a drupe, containing 3 nutlets held so tightly together that they may appear to comprise a single unit if not carefully examined. Stem, leaves and fruit are all somewhat hairy. It is easiest to recognize in the Fall when the bright orange fruits are conspiduous. In spite of the common name, it is not a gentian.