It is the dominant understory shrub in many Korean hillside forests, growing at 400–1,500 m (1,300–4,900 ft) altitude.

The flowers are white to pink, often with small red spots on the upper three petals; they are produced in late spring to early summer.

The scientific name schlippenbachii is derived from Baron von Schlippenbach, a Russian officer who collected the species in 1854.

It is widely cultivated in many parts of the world; some cultivars bear white flowers.

The fruit is egg-shaped and oval, 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long, with glandular hair, which ripen in October.