[1][2] This perennial herb has a thick basal clump of sticky leaves growing just a few centimeters tall.

The flowers are scarlet to blue-purple[2] in color, sometimes fading maroon or purple.

The plant grows on the Navajo and Wingate Sandstones in sandy rock crevices, rocky slopes, and arroyos.

[1] The habitat is often pinyon-juniper woodland, sometimes with sagebrush or Ponderosa pine.

[2] Threats to this species include poaching for the horticultural trade; however, most plants are located on inaccessible terrain.