Hairless perennial up to 50cm arising from a woody persistent rootstock. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, sessile, with a small, dark gland at the base of each leaf. Flowers are a bright yellow and are often flushed red on the reverse, the petals dropping easily; styles are joined to about the middle.

Greek: linon, linum = flax, the thread spun by the Fates in Greek mythology.