Herbs, annual [probably also perennial], glabrate to viscid pubescent. Stems often reddish, 0.1-0.7[-2] m. Leaves progressively reduced distally; distal leaves proportionately narrower than proximal; larger leaves: petiole 2-18[-30] mm, equaling or shorter than blade; blade usually undulate, sometimes flat, 10-30 × 6-22 mm, base often oblique, obtuse, or round, margins sinuate, sometimes entire, apex narrowing to rounded tip, obtuse, or acute. Inflorescences: peduncle 1-9(-12) mm; involucres broadly ovoid to spheric when mature, 4-7.5 mm. Perianth pale pink to magenta [nearly white], 2-7 mm. Fruits shallowly convex, 3.2-4.3 × 1.8-3.7 mm; lateral ribs with 4-8 teeth, teeth slender and attenuate, sometimes gland tipped [rarely mostly entire with short-toothed margin], concave side of fruit with 5-7 glands per row; stalk equaling or longer than diameter of glandular head.

Flowering late spring-early fall [year-round]. Open arid areas, often on sandy or gravelly soils, sometimes on clay or gypsum; [0-]800-1600[-2500] m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex., Utah; Mexico; West Indies; Central America; South America.

In the flora area Allionia choisyi is usually an annual. In Mexico, plants often appear to be perennial.