Its habitat includes gravelly, fine talus, and the alluvial soils in the desert, valleys, hills, and mountain slopes.

It is an erect annual herb with a slender, branching stem which can reach over 4 ft in height.

The height of the flower and plant is dependent on available soil moisture and can be as short as a few inches and as tall as the current record at 5 ft 4in.

The spot on its banner is white to yellow turning red once the flower is no longer fertile.

The Big Bend bluebonnet's specific epithet honors surgeon and botanist Valery Havard.