Known by the common name Sacramento waxydogbane, it is an uncommon plant native to the southwestern United States.

Collections have mostly been from California, although the species has also been reported from Utah and Arizona, mostly on gypsum soils.

One of the four varieties of this plant, called the Jones cycladenia, is considered a threatened taxon.

[4] This is a fleshy perennial herb with dull green leaves and pinkish lavender flowers.

The flowers begin as rolled tubes shaped like pea pods and then open into colorful funnel-shaped blooms.