The plant is native to the West Coast of the United States, from 200–1,700 metres (660–5,580 ft) in elevation.

Leptosiphon bolanderi is an annual herb producing a hairy, threadlike stem no more than about 20 centimeters tall.

The oppositely arranged leaves are each divided into very narrow needlelike lobes just a few millimeters long.

The tip of the stem has an inflorescence of usually a single flower with a tubular purple or pink throat tinted yellow inside and enclosed in glandular sepals.

The bloom period is from March to July, depending on elevation and latitude.