Description: Mound-forming perennial with a thick woody taproot. Leaves gray-green, in 10 cm (4 in.) high rosettes, wedge-shaped, tips three-toothed, covered with 1 cm (0.4 in.) white hairs. Inflorescence with several flowers on top; flowering stems may reach a height of 40 cm (16 in.). Flower petals 6, yellow, 2.5 - 4 cm (1 - 1.6 in.) long; stamens and styles united. Seed capsules 1.5 cm (0.6 in.) in length, opening by valves that appear lattice-like. Time of flowering: April to May.
Habitat: Found within Mojave desert scrub and salt desert scrub
habitats on gypsum soils. Distribution is patchy, across low “badland” hills, on ridges and benches. Elevations: 400 - 820 m (1,300 - 2,700 ft)
Range: Endemic to the eastern Mojave Desert in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. The majority of populations occur in Clark County, Nevada, specifically in the Las Vegas Valley and on gypsum soils associated with the Colorado River drainage. Populations are also known to occur in northeastern Arizona.
Comments: This species has several yellow flowers per stem, and smaller seed capsules (1.5 cm) in comparison to white bearpoppy.
Special Remarks: This is a State of Nevada Critically Endangered Species. So far, attempts to transplant entire plants or grow plants from seeds to maturity have not been successful.