[2] Potentilla rhypara is a perennial herb that grows from woody roots and a branching caudex.

[3] It has hairy, overlapping, compound basal leaves and stems up to 15 centimeters long.

[2][4] The species epithet rhypara ("grimy" in Greek) is derived from its dusty appearance and from its discoverer, James W.

[5] Associated plants include Purshia tridentata, Poa sandbergii,[2] Gilia congesta, Sitanion hystrix, Scutellaria nana, and Eriophyllum lanatum.

Other threats include cattle, off-road vehicles, fire suppression, and loss of pollinating insects.