Has multiple branched stems and colorful small flowers above hairy basal leaves.
Basal leaves toothed or slightly wavy, obtuse, with star-shaped hairs; leaf stems and upper leaves hairless. Stems have dense, y-shaped hairs near the base, hairs not bristle-like; upper stems usually hairless. Flowers 4 petaled, white, pink or purplish.
Habitat
Found on rocky slopes and gravelly soil in warm desert, chaparral, and low montane habitats.
Flower Characteristics
Has 4 petals in the shape of a cross with dark veins to 1/4 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. Appears in loose terminal clusters of 16 to 35 flowers.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Primarily basal. Basal leaves are hairy and spatula-shaped to 3 inches long with toothed margins. Leaves on the lower stems are clasping, narrow and strap-like and may not be toothed or hairy.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules to 2 inches long, slender, usually curved, hairless and usually hanging downward.
Seed is round, <1/16 inch and winged.