The popular summer flower Helleborine belongs to the orchid family and it varies in size from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter; with 3 firmly keeled sepals, two shorter lateral petals and a 3rd saclike petal with a triangular lip that bends back under the sac. The flower is purple with a greenish tinge which appears as clusters towards the terminal end of the stem.

The plant is commonly found in Europe, Asia and North Africa, growing abundantly in the deciduous forests, thickets, and even on roadside banks. The plant is a perennial one which blossoms between July and September. The stems are leafy and erect with simple, alternate leaves the size of which reduces as it grows higher up the stem. The plant grows in dry to moist climate and can be grown mainly on calcareous soils, but will tolerate slight acidic to even rocky soil. The German Wasp and another wasp called Dolichovespula sylvestris are the most important insect pollinators of Helleborine. Ants are also found to help in pollination.

The origin of the plant was in Europe where it was used for medicinal purposes. This beautiful flower is grown in the gardens for ornamental reasons, however, over a period of time it has escaped from the domestic gardens into the wild.