A naturalized European plant, the initial spring growth is prostrate and spreading before it stands upright to flower. The one inch-yellow flowers have tiny black dots on the petal margins; the leaves are covered with the same tiny oil glands. The astringent leaves are used on bites, bruises, and burns. Steeping the flowers and leaves in olive oil for a couple of weeks turns the oil red; this is used for wounds and earaches. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Contact with the plant may cause photodermatitis in sensitive individuals.