Rugel's pawpaw is a low shrub with a stout taproot.
Seeds are about the shape and size of brown beans.
The plant resprouts readily from the roots after the top is destroyed by fire or mowing. The absence of such disturbance leads to the plant's eventual demise. This pawpaw bears flowers with straight, oblong, canary yellow petals. Flowering occurs in the spring and fruits are produced several months later. Observations made during 1981 revealed that many of the plants were vigorous and flowering, but very few produced any fruits.