The scattered spindle-shaped sclerites in the neck of the polyps are distinctive among octocorals in the region. Images taken in lab of specimen collected at low tide from Cayucos. When disturbed, the polyps of this species can retract completely into the colony mass (see 4th image).

For a good view of a colony of this species in situ at low tide at Scott Creek, Santa Cruz County, CA, see image by @lemurdillo here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5160161