The dark green, lanceolate evergreen leaves of the common wallflower have an elliptical shape and can measure between 10 and 20 cm. Flowering takes place from April to June and gives rise to a delicious perfume sometimes compared to that of clove.
Its flowers have 4 petals each and are grouped in clusters of 3 to 4 cm in diameter. The original color of the common wallflower is yellow, but the creation of hybrid species led to a wide range of warm colors, including deep red, orange, bright yellow, purple, mauve, and soft copper/apricot shades.