Perennial of the Brassicaceae family, endemic to Cappadocia and the mountains of central Anatolia, in Turkey. It grows in the crevices of volcanic rocks and high-altitude scree, on generally poor and well-drained substrates, between approximately 1,800 and 3,000 meters.
It forms a loose to semi-compact tuft, more spread out than truly cushion-like, reaching 8 to 15 cm in height when in bloom. The leaves are oval to spatulate, grayish-green, covered with a layer of star-shaped hairs that give them a matte and slightly velvety appearance, clearly visible to the naked eye. This gray-green felt, contrasting with the bright yellow of the flowers, is one of the most immediately recognizable features of the species.
The flowers, with four rounded petals of a bright and vivid yellow, are grouped in dense corymb clusters borne on leafy stems. The whole gives an abundant and generous flowering that almost entirely covers the foliage at the peak of anthesis.
In its natural habitat, flowering extends from May to July depending on the altitude. In cultivation, it generally blooms in April-May.
It requires full sun, perfect drainage, and tolerates summer drought well once established. Its hardiness is good. It is suitable for sunny rock gardens and walls, where its grayish foliage remains decorative well after flowering.