The leaves of viper's-buglosses are coarsely hairy and bristly, with a lance-shaped to elliptical form. They are simple and alternate, varying in size, typically ranging from 1 to 8 inches (2.5 to 20 cm) in length. The leaves possess a rough texture due to the presence of stiff hairs. Younger plants often produce a dense rosette of leaves, while older plants develop a tall stem with more sparsely arranged leaves. Veins are prominent and reticulate, providing structural integrity to the leaf surface.

The flowers of viper's-buglosses are characterized by their tubular shape and five petals. They grow on tall spikes and display a variety of colors including blue, pink, red, white, and purple. These blossoms vary in size but typically are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Bloom time for viper's-buglosses flowers can occur either in spring or summer, depending on the species. The arrangement of petals and vibrant colors make them easily identifiable and appealing.

The stem of viper's-buglosses is green and features numerous hairs, giving it a textured appearance. It can also exhibit purple spots, which add to its distinctive look. The stem is generally sturdy, varying in thickness from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches (1.3 cm to 3.8 cm). The branching pattern is typically simple, with a few lateral branches emerging along its length. These key characteristics are essential for accurate identification and make the stem of viper's-buglosses easily recognizable.

The fruit of viper's-buglosses is a distinctive schizocarp that typically divides into four nutlets. These small, hard, and dry fruit segments are typically less than an inch (2.5 cm) in size. The nutlets are commonly rough to the touch with a brownish hue, although color can vary with maturity and specific types within the genus. Each individual nutlet can contain one seed, encapsulating the plant's genetic material for propagation. The unique division into nutlets is a key feature for identification among enthusiasts.