A herbaceous perennial plant. The leaves are finely divided into narrow segments. The flowers are irregular in shape and are up to 1.75cm long (0.7 inches). They are white with traces of yellow. Blooms first appear in early spring and continue into mid spring. The flowers actually have 4 petals, the inner ones are very small. The pair of outer petals form a swollen 'V' making the hanging flower look like a pair of breeches hung upside-down.

Alterative, diuretic and tonic (dried tubers)

Plants for a Future
The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

In the treatment of chronic cutaneous affections, syphilis, scrofula and some menstrual complaints (tubers).