Cymopterus macdougalii, a perennial, has a more open, less compact appearance than many similar species; leaflets are larger, the leaf and flower stalks longer, and the plant more spread out. This species is somewhat uncommon, and has a limited distribution centered on the Four Corners area, though not in New Mexico.
Plants have no stems; the leaves and the long flower stalks grow from the base. All parts are usually hairless, but the leaves and stems may have a light, scaly covering. Leaflets are somewhat shiny or leathery, quite prominently veined, and pointed at the tips. Individual flower clusters, at the end of each pedicel, are subtended by short, pointed, unbranched bracts, often purplish at the tip. The tiny flowers are yellow, with narrow petal tips and protruding stamens.