[2] It is a variable deciduous shrub growing to 60–90 centimetres (24–35 in) tall by 100 cm (39 in) wide, the stems woody, slightly hairy, and branched.

Golden yellow pea-like flowers are borne in erect narrow racemes from spring to early summer.

[5][6] The plant, as its Latin and common names suggest, has been used from ancient times for producing a yellow dye, which combined with woad also provides a green colour.

[4] It was from this plant that the isoflavone genistein was first isolated in 1899; hence the name of the chemical compound.

The plant has been used in popular medicine and herbalism for various complaints, including skin diseases, even in modern times.