The small inconspicuous pink flowers of Petrorhagia dubia are related to carnations and this can be confirmed by close examination. On first sight the flower heads appear to be a single flower but the flowers have an unusual arrangement, being grouped in a tight cluster, which is surrounded by papery bracts. the flowers appear one at a time, the next only opens after the previous one has died back. The stem is straight and sturdy with narrow grass-like leaves, which surround the stem at intervals.