The plant grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It produces small, white flowers in the late summer. The onset of signs ranges from two days to three weeks, with depression, stiff gait, muscle tremors, trembling, partial throat paralysis, jaundice, passage of hard feces and prostration. Death may be sudden with no prior signs of toxicity. Because tremetol is excreted in the milk, nursing animals will be affected by the toxin.
Flower color varies and depends on species.
The most striking characteristic of this perennial plant is the seedpods. They are inflated and occur on stalks containing several seeds. The plant contains baptisin and cytisine, which are moderately toxic if eaten. It has brown stems that are covered with hairs. The leaves are alternate, simple and hairy.