It is found on dry, rocky hillsides in meadows and in wooded areas from 1500 to 2400 m (5000–8000 ft) in elevation.

[3][4] P. maculatus is a trailing perennial herb with a large, woody taproot.

Leaves are trifoliate, oval, up to 8 cm (3.2 in) long, with small uncinate (hooked) hairs.

Leaf blades tend to be oriented vertically so they do are not pressed against the ground.

The Tarahumara peoples of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua use the roots medicinally and also make glue from the shoots.