Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to south-central Washington, east to western Montana.

Habitat: Rocky or gravelly soil, usually on moraines or above timberline.

Flowers: July-August

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Threatened in Washington (WANHP)

Pollination: Wind

Tufted, herbaceous perennials from short rhizomes, the slender stems 7-20 cm. tall.

Leaves with a closed, sheathing base and long, flat blades; basal leaves usually purplish-tinged.

: Inflorescence of 2-7 small, head-like clusters, on spreading and drooping, slender branches; perianth light to dark brown, the 6 segments sub-equal, about 2 mm. long; stamens 6, the anthers shorter than the filaments.

Capsule ovoid, about equal to the perianth.