Epipactis helleborine is the most common species in the genus in France. Generally large, its dimensions vary however between 20 cm and 1 meter. At the foot, there is a group of dense and large leaves. This is one of the main characteristics of the species. They can be alternate and dystic or without any particular arrangement and arranged regularly around the foot. The flowers are most often colored with variations depending on the floral parts (petals, labellum). However, we will find some individuals of an almost uniform color and varying from beige to pale green.

In Epipactis, the labellum is divided into two parts: the hypochile, concave, contains more or less nectar, which gives it a shiny appearance, and the epichile, often pointed, sometimes folded, with a complex appearance, rarely smooth and covered with bumps, hollows or furrows that allow insects to cling while they draw nectar. Petals and sepals are generally of the same color, more or less greenish. The pollinia, once stuck on the head of the insect, slowly disintegrate, which allows several flowers to be fertilized.