[2] G. squarrosa is a decumbent to erect, much-branched perennial herb or subshrub growing up to 100 centimetres (39+1⁄2 inches) tall.

The leaves are 1.5–7.5 cm (1⁄2–3 in) long,[3] gray-green, crenate with each tooth having a yellow bump near its tip, and resinous.

[3] The species is native to western and central North America, from British Columbia east to Québec and New England, and south as far as California, New Mexico, Arizona, Chihuahua, and Texas.

[4] The flowers and leaves are used by Great Plains Tribes as a medicinal herb to treat illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis or skin rashes.

[18] The plant's adaptation to arid climates makes it an attractive option as its cultivation in desert areas would not compete with traditional food crops.