Rhizomes elongate. Stems to 4[–7] dm; first above-ground sym­podium terminating after 5–11[–14] spirally arranged leaves, subsequent sympodia with 1 or 2 leaves, largest of these distal sympodia to 8 cm × 4 mm; vegetative parts ± glandular-puberulent through­out, hairs erect [appressed], fetid-smelling. Leaves: blade widely to narrowly ovate, largest 1–8[–9.5] × 0.6–5.5[–6] cm (smaller toward tips and base of plant), base truncate or cordate [rounded], sometimes unequal, apex acute [acuminate]. Flowering pedicels ascending to curved, 2–20[–33] mm, shorter than calyx. Flowers: calyx densely hairy, tube 1–3 × [1.7–]2–3 mm, lobes [5–]6–13[–22] × 0.5–1[–1.5] mm; corolla glabrate, tube 8–25[–30] × [2–]2.5–4[–5] mm, limb reflexed at maturity, lobes [3–]5–14[–23] × 2–6[–14] mm, corona [1–]1.5–2.5 × 2–2.5[–4] mm; filaments [0–]1–2 mm, filiform; anthers yellow, 3[–4] mm; nectariferous disc present; ovary conic to narrowly oblong, 2–3.5[–4] mm; style often kinked near middle, sometimes exserted to 3 mm beyond corona, 15–22[–28] mm. Berries 15–30 × 6–9 mm. Seeds 10–25 per fruit, tan, round to oval, flattened, 2–2.5 × 1.5–2 mm, minutely pitted.

Flowering late spring–early fall. Rocky slopes, some­times pinyon pine forest understory; 2100–2300 m; Tex.; Mexico.

In the flora area, Nectouxia formosa is known only from Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. Its distribution extends to southern Mexico. In Mexico, it has often been collected in dis­turbed areas such as pastures, roadsides, and culti­vated fields.

The fruits have been reported to be edible (J. W. Harshberger 1898). Reports that Nectouxia formosa is annual in Texas are erroneous. The chromosome num­ber is unknown.