It is native to northern Nevada and northeastern California, especially in the vicinity of Susanville, where it grows in scrub and forest habitat, often in rocky soils.

It is a glandular, sticky perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height over half a meter.

The toothed, oval leaves are 3 to 6 centimeters long.

The inflorescence bears tubular flowers with wide mouths each divided into a double-lobed upper lip and a triple-lobed lower lip, the whole flower about a centimeter in length.

It is cream-colored with dark-red lines.