[2][3] Platystemon californicus is a variable plant taking such a wide range of forms it has been split, reorganized, and redescribed as up to 57 different species.

Coastal forms may be hairless and a bit succulent, while semidesert individuals can be squat, hairy plants.

Some authors describe separate varieties, which are ecotypes adapted to specific, often very limited, habitat types.

The inflorescence is a single flower growing from a leaf axil or the tip of the stem.

The fruit is a capsule up to 1.6 centimeters long which is divided into many sections containing shiny black seeds.