Robust perennial of the Asteraceae family, widely spread in the mountains of the eastern Mediterranean basin, with the nominal subspecies mainly confined to Crete and the Aegean islands, where it occupies limestone rock gardens, screes, rock crevices, and short alpine lawns, from montane levels to the alpine and subalpine zones of the highest massifs.
Loose cushion or upright clump habit from 15 to 40 cm, depending on exposure and site conditions. Evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, finely divided into narrow pinnatisect segments, from grayish-green to silvery depending on the degree of pubescence, releasing a characteristic aromatic scent when crushed. Erect, sparsely branched flowering stems bearing solitary, immaculate white capitula at their summit, with long, well-developed ligules surrounding a domed yellow disc, offering a sober and elegant ornamental effect. Summer flowering, occurring late in high-altitude locations.
Plant adapted to the most challenging Mediterranean mountain conditions, tolerating prolonged summer drought, very draining skeletal substrates, and intense sunlight. In cultivation, it requires impeccable drainage, full sun exposure, and suffers from any excess winter moisture. Well-suited to limestone rock gardens and Mediterranean-style gardens, where it forms attractive clumps with beautiful silvery foliage that persists well after flowering. Of certain interest to enthusiasts of Greek island flora and plants adapted to xeric conditions.