[4] It is native to southern Oregon and northern and central California, where it occurs in the coastal foothills and mountain ranges.

[6] This rhizomatous herb produces a hairy erect or decumbent stem measuring 5 to 37 centimetres (2.0 to 14.6 in) long.

The leaves have heart-shaped or roughly lance-shaped blades borne on petioles a few centimeters long.

The outer surfaces, at least of the two upper petals, is usually stained dark red or purple.

[7] The species is a host plant of the butterfly Boloria epithore.