It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, especially around the area where Fresno, Tulare, and Inyo Counties meet.

It is a plant of the alpine climate of the high mountain peaks.

Oreostemma peirsonii is a small perennial herb growing from a caudex and taproot.

The leaves are located at the base of the plant and are linear in shape and narrow, growing a few centimeters long.

The inflorescence bears a single flower head lined with green or purplish phyllaries.