It is a common plant of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and other habitat types.

In general it is a perennial herb growing from a woody caudex and rhizome, its stem reaching about 60 centimeters in maximum height.

The leaf blades are variable in shape, but are often divided deeply into several lobes.

The flower has five petals in shades of bright to dark pink, often with white veining, and measuring one to over three centimeters in length.

Cultivars have been selected for flower colors and size qualities, they include: It is a larval host to the West Coast lady.