[3] An ephemeral annual plant, this species grows narrow leaves from a rosette, and develops a spiny, awn-covered inflorescence with white to pink flowers on the top.

There are 3 bracts, which are spreading to nearly erect, and are connate for half of their length, shaped triangular to ovate or oblong.

The bracts become acerose at the terminal nodes, and then linear to linear-lanceolate, 0.5 to 1 cm (0.20 to 0.39 in) long, with the apex acute to obtuse.

The singular flowers have a perianth 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.059 to 0.098 in) large, pubescent near the base on the lower surface.

It is threatened and in substantial decline from the extensive urbanization in southern California, which has made it locally extirpated over much of its historical range.