It is native to the coastline of Oregon and California where it grows in sandy areas such as beaches.

This small annual herb grows an erect hairy, bristly branching stem to a maximum height near 30 centimeters.

The stems droop and trail along the ground when they become long.

The linear leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters long and have rough hairs.

The plant bears small, tight clusters of white five-lobed flowers with yellow centers and tiny bristly sepals underneath.