The leaves of cypress vine are delicate and fern-like, making them highly distinctive. Each leaf is compound, featuring numerous slender segments that create a feathered or lacy appearance. Typically, the leaves measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are a vibrant green color. The texture is smooth, and the leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. A finely divided vein pattern complements the airy, intricate structure, adding to their ornamental appeal.

Cypress vine flowers are small, approximately 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in size, and form clusters throughout the summer. These vibrant red, tubular blossoms feature a slender, elongated shape that attracts pollinators. The five petal-like lobes flare gently outward from the tube, creating a star-like appearance. The flowers lack a notable scent but are highly distinctive due to their striking color and clustering habit, providing a bright splash of color in gardens and natural settings during their blooming period.

The stem of cypress vine is slender and delicate, typically green in color. It is characterized by its twining and climbing nature, which allows it to wrap around supports. The stems are thin, usually measuring about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2 to 5 mm) in diameter. They have a smooth texture and exhibit a sparse branching pattern. The stems can extend up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length, providing a strong yet flexible structure for the plant's growth.

The fruit of cypress vine is a distinctive dry capsule characterized by its ability to split open for seed release. This capsule is likely pale brown to tan in maturity, with a papery texture that becomes brittle as it dries. Typically, it liberates multiple small, hard seeds adapted for dispersal. Measuring approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 12 mm) in diameter, the capsule's size and splitting mechanism are key identification features. These fruits are commonly borne aloft, ensuring effective propagation when the seeds are finally expelled.