Dianthus plumarius is a compact evergreen perennial reaching on average 30–60 centimetres (12–24 in) in height.

The leaves are opposite, simple, linear and sessile, more or less erect and flexuous, with a sheath embracing the stem.

[1] This species is native to Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia, and naturalized in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

[2] In the United States it is known to grow invasively in Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York State, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and California.

Whether the pinking shear shares a common origin, or is named after the flower, is uncertain.