Herbs or subshrubs, 1–6(–10) dm, often spreading rhizomat­ously, forming a ground cover. Stems sprawling to erect. Leaves: petiole usually 2–5 mm; blade width often more than 1/2 length. Pedicels 2.5–7 mm. Flowers (8.5–)9.5–14 mm; outer sepals and wings cream to greenish or pale pink in bud, occasionally deep pink, apex of upper sepal usually acute to acuminate, rarely obtuse or rounded; wings abaxially densely short-pubescent. 2n = 18.

Flowering late spring–fall. Open to shaded rocky slopes, pine forests, chaparral; 100–2100 m; Calif.

Variety cornuta is found in northern and central California.