It is endemic to California, where it is known from the mountains and slopes of the Klamath Range to the southern reaches of the Sierra Nevada.

Diplacus layneae is a hairy annual herb producing a thin, erect stem reaching a maximum height near 28 centimeters.

The oppositely arranged leaves are oval in shape and up to 2.5 centimeters in length.

The tubular base of each flower is encapsulated in a ribbed calyx of sepals with pointed lobes.

The flower is roughly 1 to 2 centimeters in length and any shade of pink from nearly white to deep magenta.