A plant of undergrowth, sometimes of clearings, Epipactis purpurata measures from 20 to 70 cm. The flowers can be washed with purple or remain rather dull but the stem is generally of a slightly purple tint. The leaves are of medium to small size.

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.