Shrub of the Fabaceae family, endemic to the rocky coasts and sea cliffs of the western Mediterranean, present from Liguria and the Italian Riviera to the Balearic Islands and the southern coasts of France, with some scattered stations on the Spanish coasts and in certain Mediterranean islands, where it constitutes one of the most characteristic and spectacular elements of cliff and coastal garrigue vegetation.
Dense and rounded shrub habit, reaching 1 to 2 meters in height in sheltered stations, often more compact and prostrate in exposures directly subjected to sea winds. Evergreen foliage with a remarkable ornamental effect, composed of pinnate leaves with numerous narrow leaflets, entirely covered with a very dense silky and silvery tomentum that gives the whole plant an aspect of great elegance, shimmering under the Mediterranean light. This silvery indumentum is an effective adaptation against both desiccation, intense sunlight, and saline spray. Pale yellow to cream flowers, grouped in dense terminal heads, appearing in late winter and spring.
Strict rupicolous and halophilic species, requiring full sun, perfect drainage, and a well-aerated calcareous or siliceous substrate. Remarkably resistant to summer drought and sea spray, but sensitive to prolonged severe cold which can compromise its survival outside areas with mild winters. Excellent plant for Mediterranean gardens by the sea, coastal rock gardens, and exposed slopes, where its persistent silvery foliage constitutes a major decorative asset throughout the year, well beyond the short flowering period.