[1] The species of Allenrolfea are subshrubs or shrubs with erect or decumbent growth.

The alternate leaves are sessile and stem-clasping, fleshy, glabrous, their blades reduced to small, broadly triangular scales, with entire margins and acute apex.

Cymes of three or five flowers are sitting in the axils of deciduous, peltate, fleshy bracts.

The perianth consists of 4-5 joined tepals, their lobes angled and truncate distally.

[2][3][4] They grow on alkaline soils, on sandy hummocks in salt playas, and in mud flats.