It is endemic to California, where it is known from the southern Sierra Nevada and its foothills and the adjacent Transverse Ranges.

This is an erect annual herb with linear to lance-shaped leaves each up to 6 centimeters long.

The inflorescence produces opening flowers and closed buds.

The sepals stay fused as the petals bloom from one side.

The petal has a narrow claw and a wider blade which has two lobes at the tip with a small tooth between.