It is a hardy, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, that can reach from 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in height, and carries basal, simple cordate leaves on slender stems.

Sprays of small blue flowers, similar to those seen in the related forget-me-nots, are borne from mid-Spring,[3] and bloom for eight to ten weeks.

[4] The plant is valued as groundcover in shady areas, and has clumps of large heart-shaped leaves of about six inches (15 cm); these usually have white or cream markings, and are present all season.

Brunnera macrophylla may be reflective of the ancient flora of forests around the Black Sea, based on chromosomal genetic evidence.

[6] The variegated cultivars 'Hadspen Cream'[7] and 'Jack Frost'[8] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.