Leaves (1-)2-4(-9) mm wide, soft, stiff, densely pubescent. Scape 4-12(-16) cm, topped by 2 opposite bracts. Inflorescences racemose, 1-3-flowered; proximal 2 flowers, when present, always paired; bracts (3-)4-8(-11) mm. Flowers: tepals (3-)4-7(-8) × 1.3-2.5 mm, shorter to longer than pedicel, ± equaling ovary; anthers 1-2 mm; ovary oblanceoloid, 3-6(-9) × 1-2 mm, densely pubescent; pedicel 1-6 mm, shorter than bracts. Seeds light brown, dull, 1-1.4(-1.5) mm, muricate.

Flowering summer. Pine-oak woodlands; 2000--2500 m; Ariz.; Mexico.

Hypoxis mexicana is common in Mexico; it is rarely collected in Arizona.