Unlike the more robust members of the mustard family, Aurinia saxatile is a more delicate-looking plant. It grows in dry rocky sites. The dusty-green, wavy-edged leaves form a basal rosette, from which the slender branched flower stems emerge. The tiny, bright yellow flowers form small clusters at the apex of the stem above the developing fruits. These help to identify the plant; they become circular and contain two seeds; as they dry the outer layers peel back, allowing the seeds to fall and leaving a papery disc. This type of fruit is known as a silicula.

The brilliant yellow Aurinia saxatile, formerly known as Golden alyssum, is popular in the gardens of Northern Europe; it originated in Crete and was introduced to gardens in the early 18th century.