This perennial or annual can be found at elevations of 500 to 8200 feet (150-2500 m) and grows 20 to 40 inches (50-100 cm) tall.

Showy flowers are orange to red in color and bloom February to May but can bloom in summer with sufficient rainfall. Leaves are green to yellowish green, and tiny star-like hairs found on foliage can be very irritating to skin and eyes.

Foliage, flowers, seed pods, and seeds are a favorite food of rabbits and quail.