Distribution: Occurring east of the Cascades crest in Washington, where disjunct; southeastern Oregon to California, east to south-central Montana and Wyoming.

Habitat: Sagebrush desert, often where vernally moist

Flowers: April-June

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Annual

Conservation Status: Sensitive in Washington (WANHP)

Pubescent, glandular annual, the main stem branched at the base but simple above, 5-25 cm. tall.

Basal leaves long-petiolate, the blades oblong-lanceolate to oblanceolate, 1-3 cm. long and 4-15 mm. broad, greatly reduced upward to linear, sessile bracts in the upper part of the spikes.

Flowers in loose, bracteate spikes, the branches with flowers nearly to the base; calyx tube 0.5-2 mm. long, the 4 lobes distinct and reflexed, 1-2 mm. long; petals obovate, pale yellow to off-white, aging to pink, 1-2 mm. long; stamens 8, with 4 filaments about equal to the petals, the other 4 much shorter; style slightly longer than the stamens, the stigma globose; ovary inferior, 4-celled.

Capsule linear, 12-25 mm. long, conspicuously contorted, often coiled.