Commonly known as black cumin, black seed, or kalonji, it is a flowering annual plant. The plant is known for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental value, with the seeds highly prized for their distinctive flavor and therapeutic properties.

The plant has a bushy habit with multiple branching stems. The flowers are light blue to white, with 5–10 sepals that resemble petals. They are star-shaped, solitary, and bloom from late spring to early summer.

The flowers produce nectar, which attracts bumblebees and bees for pollination.

The seeds are used as a spice in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean. They are often added to breads, pastries, curries, and pickled dishes for flavor and aroma. Known as the "seed of blessing," Nigella sativa seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are rich in bioactive compounds such as thymoquinone, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They are often used to support the immune system, digestion, and respiratory system.