Stems glabrous proximally, ± tomentose distally. Leaves 15–25 × 10–18 cm. Inflorescences with branches ascending to spreading, only rarely drooping. Flowers spreading to rarely erect; tepals deep green, 6–10 mm. 2n = 32.

Flowering early summer--fall. Moist clearings, shaded woodlands; 0--1600 m; N.B., Nfld. and Labr., Que.; Conn., Del., Ga., Maine, Md., Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va., W.Va.

Eastern Native Americans (Cherokee and Iroquois) used Veratrum viride var. viride as an antirheumatic and analgesic as well as a cold, skin, and orthopedic aid (D. E. Moerman 1986). Colonial settlers soaked corn seeds in an infusion of the plant to kill marauding birds (J. U. Lloyd 1897). This variety is considered a pasture weed in areas around Quebec and in the New England states (C. A. Taylor 1956).