Shrubs , self-supporting, 0.3-1.6 m. Leaflets thin but ± rigid; lateral leaflet blades ovate to broadly lanceolate, margins undulate or crispate, marginal teeth tipped with spines to 1.2-3 × 0.2-0.3 mm. Inflorescences 2-5 cm.

Flowering winter-spring (Feb-May). Exposed rocky openings in woods and shrubland; 0-1200 m; Calif., Oreg.; Mexico (n Baja California).