Stemless, tuberous plant up to 20cm. Pinnate, hairy leaves, at ground level on longish leaf stalks, mostly withered at flowering; umbel-like flowerheads with up to 8 flowers, pink, purple or white; lower petals spoon-shaped, upper 2 larger with reddish feathered markings; flower stalk hairy; five fertile stamens are present.

Latin: pinna, feather; -atus, likeness: referring to feathering on flower petals.

Introduced into Britain in 1788 by Francis Masson.