Stems decumbent to ascending; basal branches and leaves typically alternate. Fruiting bracteoles almost sessile, body subcircular in profile, ± compressed, (2-)4-5 mm, united to summit, truncate at the irregularly toothed summit, sides smooth or obscurely to definitely tuberculate.

Flowering spring-fall. Alkaline sink scrub, growing with Atriplex polycarpa and other salt desert shrubs and forbs; 50-200 m; Calif.