Maltese cross, Jerusalem cross.

Shortly rhizomatous plant, 35-75 cm. Stem leaves ovate-lanceolate or ovate, 2-10 cm x 1-5 cm. Inflorescence umbelliform-capitate, flowers flame red, numerous, large, 1-3 cm diam. V - early spring to late autumn, in St. Petersburg April-October. Fl - June-July. Fr - August. P - by seed, flowering the year after sowing. Recommended for planting in sunny places on well-drained soil. In cultivation since the XVI century. Z 4.

European part of the FSU (central and western regions), Siberia (southern and western regions), Central Asia (Kazakstan, Tien Shan) and Mongolia. Moist forest meadows, shrubs, ravines, edges.