Bulbs ovoid, 50-100 mm, readily forming sessile offsets. Leaves 15-35 cm; blade green, elliptic to ovate, margins entire to ± wavy. Scape ± reddish, 15-35 cm. Inflorescences usually 1-4-flowered. Flowers: tepals yellow, narrowly ovate, 20-35 mm, inner with small auricles at base; stamens 12-16 mm; filaments white to creamy white, slightly widened, 0.4-0.6 mm wide at base; anthers yellow; style ± white, 8-10 mm; stigma ± unlobed or with lobes shorter than 1 mm. Capsules obovoid, 2-4 cm.

Flowering early spring (Mar). Open woods, shady canyons; of conservation concern; 600--1000 m; Calif.