Distribution: Ocurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in northern Washington; Alaska to Washington, east to Alberta and Montana.

Habitat: Tundra and alpine meadows.

Flowers: July-September

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Sensitive in Washington (WANHP)

Pollination: Bumblebees

Perennial herbs from creeping rhizomes, the stems 4-15 cm. tall.

Basal leaves obovate-oblanceolate, 1-2 cm. long, forming small rosettes; cauline leaves opposite, 2-4 pairs, obovate or oblong-obovate, smaller than the basal.

Flowers 3-5 near the top of the stem, sessile, or the lowest with a short pedicle, with subtending bracts; calyx blue tinged, 1/3 the length of the corolla, the 5 lobes unequal, obtuse, about half the length of the tube; corolla dark blue, 1-2 cm. long, the 5 lobes broadly triangular, obtuse, folded like a fan, the sinuses with small, triangular lobes; the 5 stamens attached to the corolla tube for about 1/3 the length of the corolla, the attached portion narrowly winged; ovary superior.

Capsule 1-celled, 2-valved.