H. torquatus originally originates from the woodlands in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia. The leaves of this acaulescent species can be subdivided into more than 80 segments. The deciduous leaves have fine hairs.

In contrast to other Helleborus-species the flowers of H. torquatus are relatively small. The colors of the flowers can be very different. There are green flowers, sometimes with dark veins, or even purple ones. Sometimes there are even dark areas on the flowers.