[1] It is native to Eurasia but it is known elsewhere as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed.

It is weedy in its native range and also in North America, where it is a widespread invasive species, especially in central Canada.

[2] It is an annual herb producing an unbranched erect stem 30 to 70 centimetres (12 to 28 inches) in height.

The thick, waxy leaves are generally oval in shape, up to 9 centimetres (3+1⁄2 inches) long, and clasp the stem at their bases.

The flower is enclosed in pointed sepals and has yellow, clawed petals about 1 centimetre (1⁄3 inch) long.