It is endemic to California, where it grows in woodland and grassland in the northern half of the state.

It has deeply lobed, prominently veined leaves, mostly located near the base of the plant.

The inflorescence may hold very few to over 100 flowers, each on a long, thick pedicel.

The flowers are usually a brilliant blue or purple, and sometimes lighter pinkish to white.

pallescens), which has white, pink, or light blue sepals, occurs in the Coast Ranges.