[3][4] The flowering plant is endemic to eastern California, where it is known from several reduced and threatened populations in Mono and Inyo Counties.

[5] It occupies grassy habitats in alkaline Shadscale scrub plant communities, alongside Atriplex and other playa halophyte flora, primarily in Owens Valley.

[4] The species is listed as endangered, threatened by the loss of local groundwater.

[6] Calochortus excavatus is a perennial bulb, growing a slender unbranched stem to about 30 centimetres (12 in) in maximum height.

The petals may have green striping on their outer surfaces and generally have a red-purple blotch at the base.