Herbs perennial, rhizomatous. Stem single (or multiple) from rootstock. Leaves mostly on proximal 1/2 of stem, near middle, or distal; leaf blade palmately divided; primary lobes 2- or 3-lobulate. Petals black-brown, distally not enlarged. Staminodes black-brown, distinctly differentiated into a claw and an expanded, broad limb; limb adaxially yellow or white barbate. Carpels 3--5(--7). Seeds narrowly winged along angles or transversely squamulose winged.

About 85 species: temperate regions of Asia and Europe; 61 species (49 endemic) in China.