Var. erythrophylla often has larger leaves mostly basal, usually pinnate compound with 1-2 pairs of leaflets, occasionally simple, with serrate margins. The undersides are purple and both surfaces are sparsely to nearly hairless.
Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces in China, growing on rocky slopes, under forests, and along ditches at elevations of 530-1300 meters.
It is an annual herb with a stout main root and fibrous lateral roots. The stem is slender, purplish-green, 12-32 cm tall, tetragonal, and sparsely hairy. Leaves vary from pinnate compound below to simple above, with serrate margins.
It is used in traditional medicine for treating conditions such as hemorrhage, bleeding disorders, wounds, and postpartum chill. Leaves are also applied externally for treating sores and toxins.