Microsteris gracilis is native to western North America from northwestern Canada to the American Midwest and West Coast, through Mexico, as well as parts of South America.

[4] Microsteris gracilis is an annual herb which is variable in shape, taking a decumbent, branching, sometimes almost tuftlike form or growing erect and very slender.

The lance-shaped leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters long and oppositely arranged except for the upper ones, which are alternate.

The inflorescence at the top of the stem bears one or more small flowers.

The flat corolla has five flat-tipped or notched lobes just 1 or 2 millimeters long.