Variable, hairy perennial to 1.5 m tall with hairs of 2 sizes on the stem. Leaves greyhairy below. Flowers short-stalked, with 3-lobed bracts in narrow spikes. Petals to about 5 mm long, yellow; summer. Fruit deeply grooved.

Africa, Eurasia

Source of a yellow dye; the foliage has been used medicinally.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Rosaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.