[1][2][3][4] It is native to the mountains and hills of the southern half of California, far western Nevada, and northern Baja California, where it grows in wet, sandy habitat such as streambanks.

The flowers primarily self-pollinate, but the species evolved from an out-crossing ancestor similar to E.

[5] Erythranthe parishii is an annual herb growing up to 50 centimeters in maximum height with a stout, hairy stem.

[6] The oppositely arranged oval or widely lance-shaped leaves are up to 7.5 centimeters long.

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