The triangular-shaped, greyish-green leaves of dutchman's breeches are 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long. These basilar leaves stand upright on long stems and exhibit a deeply cut, fern-like appearance. Each leaf is intricately dissected, giving it a delicate texture and a lacy look that contributes to its distinctiveness. The leaves tend to form a rosette at the base of the plant, adding to their unique charm and making them an important feature for identification.

The flowers of dutchman's breeches are distinctive, measuring about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in length. They are white and resemble upside-down pantaloons. Each flower features two inflated petals that extend to form spurs. These unique blooms appear in clusters on arching, leafless stems that are 5-10 inches (12.7-25.4 cm) long. Flowering occurs from March to May, creating a striking display. The characteristic shape and early blooming period make them easily recognizable.

The stem of dutchman's breeches is characterized by its tan to reddish-brown coloration. It stands upright and is typically of a modest diameter, averaging around 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in thickness. The texture of the stem is smooth and it is generally unbranched, contributing to its slender and erect appearance. This consistent and distinct hue, coupled with its smooth texture, makes the stem a key feature for identifying dutchman's breeches.

The fruit of dutchman's breeches is distinguished by its distinctive oval capsules, which gracefully taper to a point at both ends, resembling small lanterns. These fruits mature around May to June, transitioning to a dry form that eventually splits open into two halves. This dehiscence reveals numerous seeds poised for dispersal. The exact coloration of the fruit is green when young, possibly becoming more brownish as it dries. Although petite, the dual-segmented nature of the capsule is a unique identifier, illustrating the plant's reproductive finesse in a compact package measuring just a few inches in length.