Stems usually branching distal to base, 1-5 dm, slightly glaucous. Leaves: basal persistent, 20-50 cm; blade linear, flat, slightly glaucous. Inflorescences 2-many-flowered. Flowers nodding; perianth closed at apex, globular; sepals spreading, ovate to lanceolate, 1.5-2 cm; petals deep yellow, with brown abaxial blotch, widely lanceolate, 1.6-2 cm, densely ciliate throughout, adaxial surface glabrous or with a few hairs near gland; glands deeply depressed, bordered distally by band of hairs; filaments longer than anthers; anthers oblong, apex obtuse or acute. Capsules nodding, winged, oblong, 2-3 cm, apex obtuse or acute. Seeds dark brown, irregular. 2n = 20.

Flowering mid spring--mid summer. Shaded places in open woods or brush; 100--1000 m; Calif.