Sub-species
subsp.  arietina
This clump forming perennial grows to 620 mm tall (25 in) with dark green leaves that have 12-16 narrow elliptical leaflets. From late spring to early summer it produces red to pink or carmine cup-shaped flowers are up to 100 mm (4 in) wide and is naturally found from eastern Europe to Asia Minor.

subsp. atlantica
This form is similar to the species but is glabrous on the underside of the leaves and grows in forests in Algeria from 1,500 m (4,500 ft) to 2,100 m (6,500 ft).

subsp. coriacea
This southerly form grows to 550 mm (22 in) tall with leathery textured lower leaves that have 9-14 elliptical leaflets and forms a dense clumping habit. From late spring to early summer it produces light pink cup-shaped flowers that are up to 100 mm (4 in) wide and the plant is naturally found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco extending to southern Spain.

subsp. hellenica
This herbaceous perennial grows to 300 mm (12 in) tall with leathery textured lower leaves that have 9-21 broad ovate leaflets and forms a clumping habit. From late spring to early summer he produces white cup-shaped flowers that are 127 mm (5 in) wide and is naturally found in Greece.

subsp. russoi
This perennial sub shrub grows to 400 mm (16 in) tall with a glossy green deeply divided lea and forming a clump. During early spring it produces dark rose coloured cup-shaped flowers above the foliage. This native of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily prefers a well-drained fertile moist soil in a partially shaded to full sun position.

subsp. triternata
This herbaceous perennial grows to 300 mm (12 in) tall with thick leathery lower leaves with 9-11 ovate to orbicular leaflets with undulating margins. From late spring to early summer it produces rose coloured cup-shaped flowers that are up to 100 mm (4 in) wide and is naturally found in Crimea and extending to south-east Europe.