It was noted by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is classified as part of the genus Teucrium in the family Lamiaceae.

It has oval, but deeply cut leaves, which appear almost pinnate in form.

Its flowers are two-lipped but with the upper lip diminutive.

They are pink to purple and form from the stem at the base of the leaves, in whorls.

It prefers limy soils and bare stony ground.