[5] The hairy, glandular leaves have narrow linear or lance-shaped blades with smooth or lobed edges.

[5] The inflorescence is a cluster of flower heads each surrounded by the upper bracts on the stem branches.

[5] The plant has sticky glands, giving it a strong odor,[3] which has been described as that of paint thinner.

[7] Supporters considered it to be a template for the listing of many more similarly rare plants in California.

[7] The plant was listed as an endangered species by the California Fish and Game Commission on 25 August 2016, and six months later Livermore declared it to be the official city flower.