It is native to the southwestern and western Great Plains regions of the United States, plus northern Mexico.

It is found in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, and Nuevo León.

[2][3] Chaetopappa ericoides is a petite perennial herb reaching heights between 5 and 15 centimeters (2–6 inches).

The hairy, glandular stem grows from a woody caudex and branches several times.

[4][5] Among the Zuni people, an infusion of whole pulverized plant applied is rubbed on the body for the pain from a cold, swellings, and rheumatism.