It is very similar to its close relative, Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides).

Chorizanthe leptotheca is an erect herb growing up to about 35 centimeters tall.

The herbage is fuzzy to quite hairy in texture, and generally reddish in color.

The inflorescence is a loose cluster of flowers, each surrounded by six reddish bracts coated in curly hairs and tipped in hooked awns.

The flower itself is up to 6 millimeters wide, pink or red in color and hairy.