Stems erect-ascending, spreading; internodes 1–7 mm; young stems pubescent to villous (hairs curled or retrorse). Leaves oblanceolate-clavate, obscurely semiterete, 4–6.5 mm (expanded distally), apex usually obtuse.

Flowering (Apr–)May–Jun(–Aug). Mesas, ravines, coastal sage scrub-chaparral; 20–1100(–2100) m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).

Variety obtusifolium is known from coastal southern California (southern Orange and San Diego counties) and northern Baja California, where it introgresses with var. fasciculatum, resulting in shorter, more strongly hairy stems, and leaves less apiculate or mixed obtuse-acute in some interior populations.