This wildflower is native to western North America from British Columbia to northern California where it grows in coniferous understory and woodland.

This is an erect annual herb reaching about 35 centimeters in maximum height.

It produces a thin stem and narrow leaves and looks grasslike before flowering.

Each pea-like flower is just over a centimeter wide and bright purple with white upper lips.

The plant is relatively small, but its features are larger than most other Collinsia, hence its common names.