It is native to the northwestern United States, where it grows in many types of open habitat.

It is a spreading shrub growing erect to a maximum height near 80 centimeters.

The thick, stiff leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and up to 12 centimeters in length.

The showy inflorescence bears many tubular lavender flowers, the largest nearly 4 centimeters long.

The mouth of the flower and the staminode are covered in long, white hairs.