Description: Small annual plant. Stems low spreading, branched at or near base, with glandular pubescence, to 15 cm (5.9 in.) long. Leaves near base, elliptic or elliptic-ovate in shape, margins entire or few-toothed. Inflorescence a terminal cyme, tending to be well removed from the leafy base. Flower petals small and inconspicuous, only shortly extending the sepals, lavender above the pale yellow base. Seeds about 25 per capsule. Time of flowering: April to June.
Habitat: Found on mostly barren alkaline flats (valley floors) and playas (lakebeds) in heavy and cracked clay soils with excessive concentrations of soluble salts. Elevations: 760 - 1,700 m (2,500 - 5,600 ft).
Range: In Clark County, Nevada, known from Indian Springs Valley and Three Lakes Valley. Historic populations in the Las Vegas Valley are probably extirpated. Species also known to occur in Nye, Lincoln, and White Pine counties in Nevada, and in San Bernardino County, California.
Comments: Because this species is an annual, populations may fluctuate from year to year in response to rain events.