The plant is endemic to California, where it is known only from the Eastern High Sierra Nevada, and the White Mountains across Owens Valley to the east, both within Inyo National Forest.

It grows in mountain habitat in subalpine and alpine climates at 2900–3700 m, preferring rock talus or niches in granite cliffs.

[4] These images are from the original type location high in Rock Creek basin, Inyo County CA.

[5] Toiyabea peirsonii is a perennial herb producing a branching stem from a caudex and taproot unit, reaching up to about 20 centimeters tall and taking a clumpy form.

The leaves are up to 8 centimeters long, variable in shape but usually broader toward the end, and with toothed edges.