Bulbs 1–3, not clustered on stout, primary rhizome, ovoid to ± globose, 1–1.7 × 0.8–1.7 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, reddish brown, membranous, lacking cellular reticulation or cells arranged in only 2–3 rows proximal to roots, ± quadrate, without fibers; inner coats pale brown to white, cells obscure, quadrate. Leaves persistent, withering from tip by anthesis, 1, basally sheathing, sheath not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, terete, 12–50 cm × 1–4 mm. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, terete, 10–35 cm × 0.5–3.5 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 6–75-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2–3, 4–7-veined, lanceolate to ovate, ± equal, apex attenuate to setaceous. Flowers urceolate to campanulate, 6–12 mm; tepals erect, dark reddish purple to pale lavender, or white, lanceolate to ovate, ± equal, becoming ± rigid to papery in fruit, margins entire or denticulate with few minute teeth near tip, apex acute to acuminate, recurved-spreading or not at tip; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary usually crested (rarely crestless); processes 6, prominent, ± triangular, margins denticulate to laciniate; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, 3-lobed, lobes slender, recurved; pedicel 6–20 mm. Seed coat dull; cells minutely roughened.

Varieties 3 (3 in the flora): California, Mexico (Baja California).