Gold Crest is an upright, hairy perennial with a rhizome, from which new growth emerges. Its leaves are mostly basal, linear with over-lapping bases. Stem leaves clasp; becoming reduced upward. Flowers are at the end of downy stems, bearing three sepals and three petals that are similar and bright yellow. Flowering occurs in the summer. The Latin describes the plant as americana, which means it grows no other place in the world (as far as is known).

Redroot is also upright, hairy perennial with a rhizome, from which new growth emerges. Its leaves are basal and linear with over-lapping bases (like a lily). Stem leaves are clasping; becoming reduced upward. Flowers are bisexual; three sepals and three petals that are similar and yellowish to brown. Flowering occurs from June to October.

The plant species name indicates that it "weeps a different color." Indeed, when crushed the root "bleeds" a reddish dye. Indians used the dye for coloring fabrics and as a face paint. Intricate patterns were painted on horses to prepare them for battle.