Stems erect-ascending, spreading (plants tall); internodes 2.5–7(–13) mm; young stems glabrous, sometimes +/- hirtellous. Leaves oblanceolate to linear, semiterete, (2.5–)5–13 mm (not or slightly expanded distally), apex acute-apiculate. 2n = 18.

Flowering (Apr–)May–Jun(–Aug). Dry slopes, ridges, lower chaparral and coastal sage scrub; 10–1800(–2100) m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).

Variety fasciculatum is a major component of lower chaparral, upper coastal sage scrub from northern, central, and southern cismontane California and northern Baja California.