This wildflower is native to the mountains of California, northwestern Nevada, and southwestern Oregon.

[2][3] Helianthella californica is a taprooted perennial herb producing erect stems up to about 60 centimeters (2 feet) tall.

The many lance-shaped leaves are up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) wide and up to 26 cm (11 inches) long, smooth or slightly toothed along the edges.

The inflorescence holds one or more sunflower-like flower heads.

Each head has a center of golden disc florets with purple or reddish parts, and a fringe of yellow ray florets one or two centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) long.