This is an erect milkweed up to 80 cm tall. Along the stem, opposite each other, there are 8-24 stiff, egg-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy on the top and almost hairless on the bottom. The pale green, tubular flowers are arranged in tight, drooping clusters along the top part of the stem.

The unique features of this milkweed allow one to easily identify it in a flowering, fruiting, or even vegetative state. Identification is easiest when flowers are present.

This milkweed is rather unique among Asclepias. It is often placed in its own genus (Acerates) with a few other milkweeds (none within New York's flora) that lack the horn on the corona hood.