The adult is highly variable in wing pattern. Most commonly it is heavily mottled with brown to orange. The darkest markings are normally in the basal patch, slanted median band, and postmedian blotch that can extend to the anal angle. Distinctive bright yellow to cream squares are often present on the costa between the darker bands. The hindwings are typically dark grey with a lighter fringe. Males have a costal fold that extends to or barely past the basal patch. The larva is green with scattered pale warts and fine setae. The prothoracic shield is dirty green with variable amounts of black or dark brown laterally and the head is shiny dark or light brown. The larva can not be reliably separated from Choristoneura rosaceana and is closely similar to several other common tortricid species. (Chapman & Lienk 1971; Mackay 1962)