The plant features distinctive, deep maroon to nearly black leaves, which are trifoliate (composed of three leaflets) and triangular or fan-shaped. The leaves have an interesting characteristic known as photonastic response, where they fold downward at night or when in low light or harsh sunlight, and open up in the daytime. Dainty, five-petaled flowers, typically white or pale pink/lavender, appear on slender stems that rise above the foliage, primarily in late spring through summer.