The column is smooth, and about 1 cm in height and diameter, flaring out to the tentacular crown. This corallimorph anemone has tentacles with bulbous tips, unlike true anemones. Color varies, most commonly red or pink, but may also be yellow, orange, brown, or purple.

Corynactis californica is commonly called the club-tipped anemone because of the tips on the tentacles. This anemone reproduces asexually, producing clones of all one color.Most abundant on shaded rocks and ledges where currents prevail.

Subtidal to 30-45 m;Point Arena, Northern California to Baja California, Mexico.