It was federally listed as a threatened species of the United States on July 27, 2011, a ruling which took effect on August 26, 2011.

It is an annual herb with a stem just a few centimeters long that lies flat on the ground, producing a small clump of leaves.

Population sizes are quite variable, and the plant can be locally common in some years depending on environmental conditions such as the amount of precipitation.

The plant grows in forest and woodland or shrubland habitat typically dominated by either Utah juniper or sagebrush.

Other threats may include damage to the soil by livestock and competition from introduced species of plants.