Kern mallow is an arid-land annual plant. It is found on alkali flats and eroded hillsides, as well as in grassland and saltbush scrub habitats of the southern San Joaquin Valley and adjacent areas of California. Kern mallow population size can vary greatly depending on rainfall—a lack of Kern mallow at a location one year can be followed by hundreds of individuals the next. Historically, Kern mallow was thought to have a very restricted range. At the time of listing, the species was known from only six locations in an approximately 40 square mile area in western Kern County. In 2013, there were 212 occurrences spread throughout Kern, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties.

Kern mallow responds to variation in precipitation experienced by California’s climate by germinating and growing profusely the first wet year following a drought, and then declining in subsequent years as more robust native and non-native species crowd them out, until the next drought/wet cycle. Seeds typically germinate in January and February and plants begin blooming in March. Fruit production begins within a few days after flowers appear; flower and fruit production may continue into May if sufficient moisture is available. The seeds fall from the fruits as soon as they are mature. Seeds are capable of germinating in the following growing season, but at least some remain ungerminated. Studies show that Kern mallow is pollinated by insects, but wind may also pollinate the flowers.

The plant has straight stems that grow between 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to nearly 20 inches (50 centimeters) in length. The stems are covered with small hairs. Kern mallow has white to purple flowers that have five petals.