Caudices branching apically, (cespitose), 0.5-2.6 × (0.1-) 1.2-2 cm, axillary branches absent. Leaves: rosettes 1-60, in clumps, 8-20-leaved, 0.8-5.1 cm diam.; blade green, becoming reddish, triangular-ovate, (0.6-) 0.9-2 × 0.5-1.3 cm, 2-4 mm thick, base 0.7-1.5 cm wide, apex acute, surfaces farinose, heavily glaucous. Inflorescences: cyme 2-branched, broadly obpyramidal or flat-topped; branches not twisted (flowers on topside), simple or 1 times bifurcate, (0.3-0.6 cm diam.); cincinni 2-6, 3-7-flowered, circinate, 1-3 cm; floral shoots 2.5-13 × 0.3-0.5 cm; leaves 6-15, spreading, triangular-ovate, 5-10 × 4-6 mm, apex acute. Pedicels erect, not bent in fruit, 1-3 mm. Flowers: calyx 3-4 × 4-5 mm; petals connate 1-1.5 mm, pale to medium yellow, 9-10 × 2-3 mm, apex acute, tips slightly outcurved; pistils connivent, erect. Unripe follicles erect. 2n = 68.

Flowering late spring. Thin, gravelly volcanic soil; of conservation concern; 20-70 m; Calif.