A perennial from the Lamiaceae family, this variety is distinguished from the type species by a more finely cut foliage, with well-marked pinnate-partite lobes, dark green and densely pubescent, giving it an almost fern-like appearance, very different from the simply crenate foliage of Scutellaria orientalis. It is native to Turkey and adjacent regions of the Middle East, where it colonizes rocky areas, limestone screes, and dry rocky slopes in full light.
It forms low, semi-woody clumps at the base, spreading and dense, 10 to 15 cm in height, willingly insinuating itself between stones. The color palette of the flowering is remarkably different from that of var. orientalis: the bilabiate corollas are entirely in shades of chartreuse yellow to pale yellow, with the lower lip often tinged with orange to orange-red, sometimes very pronounced. The erect, tight, and numerous floral spikes generously cover the foliage at flowering time and give the plant a very particular luminous and warm aspect within the genus.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation, it generally blooms from May to July depending on exposure.
It requires perfect drainage and full sun exposure, in poor to moderately fertile soil, preferably limestone. Once established, it withstands summer drought well. It finds its place in dry rock gardens, gravel gardens, and south-facing walls, where its finely cut foliage remains interesting even when not in bloom.