It is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is aromatic and measures 30 to 45 cm. The stem is green, with abundant white pith and branches at the tip where it supports a large number of umbels with bright yellow flowers that appear in mid-summer. The leaves are very fine, feather-like with a flavor reminiscent of parsley. The fruits are brown in color and the seeds are flat, oval and have a somewhat bitter taste.
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the seeds.
