The Christmas rose is native to mountainous regions and open woodlands in Southern and Central Europe. It is an evergreen poisonous perennial herb of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) reaching 35 cm in height. In its native habitat, the Christmas rose blooms from January through March, each clump producing groups of 2 or 3 large nodding flowers. The flowers are generally 4-8 cm across although they can be larger.
Because the Christmas rose rarely flowers at Christmas, its alternative names ‘snow rose’ or ‘winter rose’ are perhaps more appropriate.