[1] The biological form of Rhaponticum heleniifolium is hemicryptophyte scapose,[2] as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves.

[2] The strong, thick, upright stem is quite leafy and hairy and usually has only one inflorescence.

[2] The flower heads are pink to purple, spherical and very large (about 6–10 centimetres (2.4–3.9 in) in diameter).

This quite rare plant occurs in Italy, France, Switzerland, and Austria.

[1][3] Rhaponticum heleniifolium grows in western Alps in sub-alpine and alpine meadows and stony slopes.