Flowers of
linanthus nuttallii are very similar to other members of the phlox family; they are white or pale cream in color, about half an inch across, and have five petals, centered on a narrow tube which is yellow inside. Leaves are short and prickly, also like other phlox varieties, arranged in rings around the stem; although not obvious, a ring consists of just two, opposite leaves, each completely divided into between five and nine components. The plant is widespread across all the Western states, at a range of elevations, often in forest clearings and open flats.