This showy wildflower is endemic to California, where it is a resident of ponds and vernal pool ecosystems in the northern part of the state.

This annual grows on a branching erect stem with small leaves at intervals.

At the top of each stem branch is one or more flowers, each about a centimeter wide.

The tubular flower has two long, narrow, pointed upper lobes which may be blue or purple.

The three lower lobes are fused into one three-lobed surface, which is blue or purple with a large blotch of white in the center and blotches of maroon toward the mouth of the tube.