Both species possess cream coloured broadly cupuliform nectar bearing stamionodes. The bracts of C. americana are unique in the genus as one is found subtending each pedicel whereas two are found along the pedicel length. C. laciniata has a single bract subtending each pedicel. The carpels of both species are borne on long stipes. The seeds are similar to those of C. arizonica .
Carpel numbers range from one to five.
It has a wide eastern USA and south-eastern Canadian distribution. It possesses triternate leaves with narrow trilobed terminal leaflets with three principal veins. There is a single persistent bract subtending each pedicel and the seeds are crescent shaped and ridged along the margins but not undulate or furfuraceous. Carpel number is one per flower. The Alaska Rare Plant Forum met in Fairbanks March 25-27.