It is endemic to California, where it grows in mountains, valley and coast in woodlands and grasslands.

On the forest floor of California oak woodlands typical plant associates are Calochortus luteus, Cynoglossum grande and Calochortus amabilis.

[1] This erect wildflower may reach half a meter in maximum height.

The branching inflorescence holds up to 25 widely spaced flowers, which are usually bright deep blue, and occasionally lighter blue or white, depending on subspecies.

kinkiense, is treated as a federally listed endangered species.