It is native to the western United States, where it occurs in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

[2][3] This annual herb grows 5 to 12 centimeters tall with a thick, branching, erect stem.

[2] This plant grows on deposits of montmorillonite, a slick, powdery clay soil.

[3] The soils are mostly barren of vegetation but may host other annuals such as Monolepis pusilla, Mentzelia albicaulis, Cleomella macbrideana, and Phacelia humilis.

[5] Threats include habitat destruction from mining activity and off-road vehicle use.