Growing amongst the abundant vegetation of early summer, Ruta chalpensis is found in olive groves and along the roadside, particularly in  the Glossa area. The flowers are fragrant and the bright green divided leaves emit a bitter odour when crushed; it was not valued as a flavouring by ancient Greeks but was favoured by the Romans as a spicy herb.

The brilliant yellow flower petals, unusually have fringed edges; most of the flowers have 4 petals but the central flower of the cluster often has 5. There are 8 or 10 stamens, which open in 2 phases; first the stamens between the petals and then the stamens lying within the petals. The prominent central ovary lies above the petals; this arrangement is known as a superior ovary.

In literature, the plant as become associated with sadness and to rue to mean bitter regret.