[2] It is classified under the genus Thapsia, subfamily Apioideae, of the carrot and parsley family Apiaceae.

[6][7] It is known under a large number of common names in other languages, including bu-nefar in Arabic; zumillo and cañaheja in Spanish; baladra in Catalan; croca in Majorcan; turbit-da-terra in Portuguese; bermidor in Basque; turbith bâtard in French; and turbito falso in Italian.

It has a robust and smooth tapering stem about 5 to 25 mm (0.20 to 0.98 in) in diameter, arising from a thick root resembling a white carrot or turnip.

The main leaf midrib (rachis) is densely covered in hair and light to dark green on the upper side, while it is smooth and grayish to greenish on the underside.

[10] Like other members of the genus, the inflorescence of Thapsia villosa is a compound subhemispherical to globose umbel.

When mature, they are light to dark brown in color with four yellowish to brownish wings characteristic of the genus.

[4] Unlike most members of the family Apiaceae, Thapsia villosa flowers early, during the months of May, June, and July.

The flowers develop into winged fruits that dry out around August, while other members of the family are usually still in bloom.

[5][9] The native range of Thapsia villosa extends from southern France and the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar) to northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).

[4][11] They can be found growing at altitudes of 0 to 1,800 m (0 to 5,906 ft) above sea level in scrublands, clearings, and near recently disturbed land like roads or cultivated fields.

Thapsia villosa and Ferula communis share some common names in Spanish like cañaheja.

[9] Traditional medicinal uses of the plant, however, are now considered largely ineffective and highly inadvisable due to the danger posed by the poisons of Thapsia villosa.

They are of interest to medical researchers for their potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

[18] Poison from the roots of Thapsia villosa is traditionally used by fishermen in Catalonia as an ichthyotoxin for stunning fish, making them easier to catch.

[9][19] Extracts from the root bark of Thapsia villosa have been used since ancient times as a yellow dye.