The leaves of american ipecac are trifoliate, with early spring leaves being trifoliate-pinnatifid and sessile. They have three leaflets with irregularly lobed margins. The later leaves are trifoliate and sessile, featuring three linear-lanceolate leaflets with toothed margins, each measuring 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) long. Unusually large stipules at the leaf base give the appearance of five leaflets. The leaves turn yellow to red in the fall, adding a distinctive color transformation.

The star-shaped white flowers of american ipecac are typically solitary or clustered in small cymes of 2-5 blooms. Each flower features 5 pointed petals, measuring around 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The center boasts 10-20 stamens with dark brown anthers, creating a striking contrast. They bloom during May and June, emitting a pleasant, subtle fragrance. The petals, with their unique pointed structure, play a key role in identifying this plant species.

The stem of american ipecac is typically light green to brownish-red in color, offering a vibrant appearance. These stems are terete, meaning they are cylindrical in shape. The texture ranges from hairless to slightly hairy, providing a subtle variation upon close inspection. They exhibit moderate thickness, generally around 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 millimeters) in diameter. The stems are erect, with occasional branching, aiding in the plant's overall structural stability and aesthetic appeal.

The fruit of american ipecac consists of 1/2 inch (approximately 1.27 cm) 3-angled oval follicles which display slender beaks. These follicles, appearing in the months from July to October, bear a distinctive shape that aids in recognition. Upon maturity, the follicles undergo dehiscence, a process where they split and expel the enclosed seeds, ensuring the propagation of the species. The texture and color have not been specified, but the structural features like the 3-angled shape and beaked appearance are notable characteristics for identification.