Oreocarya cana is a perennial plant, forming caespitose mats from a thick caudex with many inflorescences that are 40 to 150 mm (1.6 to 5.9 in) tall,[3] narrow, and typically restricted to the upper half of the stem.

Tubular corollas are composed of five fused white petals roughly 3 mm (1⁄8 in) long, and are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), with prominent yellow eyes(fornices).

Nutlets are lance-ovoid in shape, usually asymmetrical, and are quite small at only 3–3.5 mm (0.12–0.14 in) long, with dull surfaces and scar widened at the base.

The “humilus group” is defined by; muricate nutlets, with an open scar, that is basally triangular, with plants typically having caespitose growth forms.

[9] “Cat’s-eye”, refers to the distinct yellow fornices, with white corollas[4] exhibited on many species of Oreocarya[4] that resemble eyes.

[4] Disjunctions of Oreocarya cana have been recorded occurring further west through Wyoming into Carbon and Bighorn counties in Montana, as well as rarely in North Dakota.

[13] In these habitats, O. cana finds itself at home with various species of Atriplex, Artemisia, Astragalus, Eriogonum, Eremogone, Physaria, Mentzelia, Penstemon, Townsendia, Phlox and other similar forms.

Threats to Oreocarya cana include: overgrazing and trampling from livestock, rangeland management, and competition from invasive species.