The leaves are divided into leathery, waxy-textured leaflets each tipped with three teeth.

This species can be distinguished from the common Thalictrum fendleri by the size and texture of its leaflets and smaller number of achenes.

[4] There are few other plants in its arid habitat but other species may include Astragalus lutosus, Mentzelia argillosa, and Festuca dasyclada.

Threats to the species include oil and gas development, as there is active petroleum exploration in the Piceance Basin.

Other threats include introduced species of plants and grazing and trampling by wild animals.