It is endemic to the northern two thirds of the California coastline, where it grows on coastal bluffs and in nearby forests.

This is a rhizomatous perennial herb producing lobed oval-shaped leaves 4 to 9 centimeters wide, each on a long petiole.

The erect inflorescence reaches over half a meter in maximum height and is covered in glandular hairs.

It bears dense clusters of rounded, hairy flowers.

The stamens and stigma protrude from the narrow mouth of the flower.