The leaves of copperleafs are highly variable in size, ranging from just over 1 inch to 8 inches long (2.5 to 20 cm). They can be heart-shaped, elliptical, lanceolate, oblong, or even rhomboidal. All leaves are simple, carried alternately, and have a rough, nettle-like texture. Edges may be crenated or serrated. Venation can be either palmate or pinnate. Leaf color often includes green, but may also be mottled in purple, yellow, orange, pink, or white, turning reddish-brown in autumn.

The flowers of copperleafs are diminutive yet eye-catching, especially when forming long inflorescences reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm). Often seen as flaccid spikes, they emerge from leaf axils or branch tips, hanging gracefully downward. The most striking colors range from deep red to pink, though some species exhibit short, non-showy greenish-yellow spikes. Typically, copperleafs plants can be monoecious, with both male and female flowers on the same plant, or dioecious, with separate plants for each sex.

The stems of copperleafs are straight, showing sparse pubescence that gives a slightly fuzzy texture. They are branched, typically emerging from nodes along the stem. The coloration varies, with some stems appearing green while others showcase a reddish-brown hue. Thickness varies but generally falls within a moderate range, typically around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. These stems provide a conspicuous feature aiding plant identification due to their unique color and branching pattern.

The fruit of copperleafs is a small, 3-lobed capsule, typically under 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. When ripe, it exhibits a unique dehiscence as each lobe splits open to release a single seed, facilitating dispersal. The outer surface is generally green or brown, adopting a dry and somewhat rough texture at maturity. Noticeable for its modest size and trifoliate structure, the fruit often attracts birds, who partake in its seeds and contribute to the plant's propagation.