[1] This species is a perennial herb growing from a woody caudex and thick taproot.

The oppositely arranged leaves are up to 13 centimeters long and are sometimes slightly toothed along the edges.

The lower lip and the staminode are heavily bearded with yellowish hairs.

[2] In Washington it grows in plant communities dominated by antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), purple sage (Salvia dorrii) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), and rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa).

Its ability to live in a relatively rough habitat may help it persist in disturbed areas, such as eroded trails.