The stems, which may be simple or branched near the base, extend from a slender tap root. The flowers, which are inconspicuous in the leaf axils, are apetalous, and have a greenish-red calyx.
Young plants are dull gray and turn reddish-purple at maturity.
Historically, the species was also known from Jasper County, Missouri, where it was first collected in 1913 by E.J. Palmer. Two small depauperate populations occur in Cleveland County, Arkansas. Population structure consists of solitary individuals or small groups within these communities. Species diversity is low in these communities. The major threat to Geocarpon is the destruction or adverse modification of its habitat.