The genus name Dianthus derives from the Greek words for divine ("dios") and flower ("anthos"), while the species name monspessulanus means "from Montpellier".

Dianthus monspessulanus is a hemicryptophyte scapose plant reaching on average 30–60 centimetres (12–24 in) of height.

The calyx is a green cylindrical tube about 2 cm (3⁄4 in) long, with reddish teeth.

This species is present in Albania, the former Yugoslavia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Spain and Portugal.

This plant grows in arid grasslands, woodlands and heathlands, at an altitude of 0–2,200 metres (0–7,200 ft) above sea level.