Taprooted annual. Stems simple, erect, 15–75 cm. Herbage strigose, hirsute on the stems. Leaves mostly cauline, 2–15 cm long, oblong below, lanceolate to elliptic above. Flowers: calyx 1–2 mm long; corolla blue, ca. 2 mm long, 2–3 mm across the limb. Nutlet body 2–3 mm long; marginal prickles distinct; dorsal face mostly unarmed (
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
plants are variety
americana (A. Gray) Fernald & I.M.Johnston.