H. viridis originates in an area from the north of Spain, northern Italy, England, Germany and western France. It prefers a lime soil in a warm semi-shade area.

The leaves are divided into 5 up to 7 parts, which are also subdivided, so that 20 segments arise. The underside of the leaves have fine hairs, so that the leaf feels thicker. In a hot and dry summer the leaves of this slowly growing species can fall off.

The dark-green flowers appear from March up to April. Generally the flower show consists of three flowers.