This native annual plant is about ½–2½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is round and has numerous white hairs. The opposite leaves are about 2" long and ¾" across. They are broadly lanceolate and sessile against the stem, with smooth margins and fine white hairs covering the upper and lower surfaces. Each of the upper leaves usually have two small lobes at the base, which resemble ears. The inflorescence consists of a spike of flowers in the upper half of the plant. These flowers are purple, pinkish purple, or lavender. Each tubular flower is about ¾" long, with 5 short lobes that flare outward. Sometimes there are purple dots inside the corolla. The reproductive parts consist of 4 stamens and 1 stigma near the upper inner surface of the corolla. Each flower is subtended by a large green calyx that is hairy and divided into 5 triangular parts. The blooming period occurs during late summer and lasts about 3 weeks. A fruit develops within each calyx that contains numerous small seeds. At this time, the entire plant becomes reddish brown. These seeds are probably distributed by the wind to some extent. The root system consists of a central taproot and secondary roots – the latter are often parasitic on the roots of other plants, particularly Aster spp. However, in the absence of a suitable host, Ear-Leaved False Foxglove can meet its own needs adequately through photosynthesis.