The genus name derives from "Iberia", the ancient name of Spain, while the species epithet comes from the Latin "umbel", meaning "umbrella" and refers to the shape of the inflorescence.

The biological form of Iberis umbellata is hemicryptophyte scapose,[3] as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves.

The calyx is violet and the corolla is composed of four white, pink or purple petals.

The petals are rounded at the apex, with the peripheral ones forming a large vexillum 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in) long.

[4] It grows in dry rocky hillsides, in bushy areas and in clearings, preferably on calcareous soils, at an altitude of 0–1,300 metres (0–4,265 ft) above sea level.