It is endemic to the foothills of the central section of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in woodland and forest.

This is a small perennial plant growing two or three leaves from a branching caudex.

The flat, green leaves are round or kidney-shaped with frilly lobes along the edges.

The plant produces an inflorescence of several pinkish flowers on a tall peduncle.

The fruit is a red-striped green or pink capsule.