It is native to the southwestern United States, where it grows in scrub, woodland, and canyons.

It is a perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height near half a meter.

The thick leaves are located around the base of the plant and in opposite pairs along the stem.

The upper leaves are lance-shaped and often folded lengthwise, measuring up to 5.5 centimeters long.

They are cylindrical, tubular, or funnel-shaped with wide, lobed mouths, and mostly hairless to slightly hairy and glandular.