It is native to southern Texas in the United States and northern Nuevo León in Mexico, where there are about 30 occurrences known.

[3] In 1984 there were only 6 populations known, all on privately owned land, and the plants appeared to be in poor condition and were reproducing slowly.

[2] Fewer than 2000 plants were counted and it was placed on the endangered species list of the United States.

[4] The wiry stems may just exceed half a meter tall and the shrub takes on a rounded appearance.

[2] While the plant is no longer considered endangered there are still threats to its survival, such as petroleum exploration and the clearing of brush.