A variable tuberous-rooted species, to 45 cm, though only 15 - 25 cm in some forms. Basal leaves long-stalked, biternate, with deeply and narrowly lobed segments. Stem leaves similar to the basal ones, but unstalked. Flowers solitary, deeply cupped, 3.5 - 6.5 cm in diameter, varying in colour from white to pink, crimson, scarlet, blue, mauve and purple, petals usually five to eight (in wild forms), ellipt to oval, anthers blue. Achenes densely wooly.

Rocky places, olive groves, vineyards or grassy places in the Mediterranean region. It requires sheltered sunny place outdoors.

This widely cultivated species is the ancestor of the florist's anemone. The florists' strains are larger and often with more petals, some being double or semi-double, the best known strains are the St. Brigid and De Caen which exist in a wide range of bright colours.