Great Basin Nemophila is a loosely erect, ascending, or somewhat prostrate plant with branched stems from 10-30 cm long. The weak stems are angled with alternate leaves. The stems also are covered with fine, short, backward prickles. The leaves are thin with a narrow central lobe or blade and 2 pairs of narrow, spreading lateral lobes.
The flower stems arise off of the stem opposite the leaves. The flowers are tiny with lavender corollas barely 2 mm long and a calyx which is slightly longer.
Nemophila breviflora may be found on wooded slopes, in thickets, or occasionally in open places from the foothills to moderate elevation in the mountains.
Great Basin Nemophila may be found from southern British Columbia south along the eastern side of the Cascades Mts. to northern California and east to Montana and Colorado.
In the Columbia River Gorge, it may be found at 2200' near the Klickitat River.
