[2] It is endemic to California, where it is known only from a few locales in the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the adjacent Palm Springs area in the northern end of the Coachella Valley.

The largest populations, which may contain thousands of individuals, are located within the bounds of Joshua Tree National Park.

It has a taproot which may exceed 6 centimeters in length to collect moisture from the dry desert sand in its native habitat.

[3] The tiny, hairy stem branches to form small matted clusters on the sand surface.

The main threat to this species is development in its range, and it is also vulnerable to off-road vehicle damage in the wide open sandy flats where it grows.