Glabrous annual. Stem up to 50 cm, weakly branched. Leaves 30-70 x 1.5-5 mm, linear-lanceolate; pedicels variable in length from 50-90 mm, upper shorter Flowers in irregular dichasia. Calyx 15-20 mm, clavate, apex contracted; teeth 1/3rd. cleft, 8-10 mm long, linear; veins protruding, with transverse undulations between. Carpophore c. 7 mm, glabrous. Capsule included in calyx.

Fl. Per.: May-June.

Syntypes: 601.3 (LINN): Hb. Linn. 193.7 (S).

Distribution: S. W. Europe. Cultivated elsewhere.

Cultivated as a garden annual.