It is endemic to the central Sierra Nevada of California, where it occurs in various types of dry mountain forest habitat.

This small herb grows from a deep taproot, reaching a maximum height of 5 to 10 centimeters.

The leaves have oval blades borne on petioles a few centimeters long.

A solitary flower is borne on a short upright stem.

The lower three petals are veined with dark brown and the upper two are stained brown or purplish on the back sides.