Distribution: Occurring east of the Cascades crest in Washington; north-central Washington to north-central Oregon.

Habitat: Rocky, basaltic outcrops and sagebrush scabland.

Flowers: May-September

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Herbaceous, glabrous perennial from a branched crown, forming tight cushions up to 15 cm. broad, with few to several short, ascending, leafy stems up to 8 mm. thick.

Leaves fleshy, green, linear, crowded, 1.5-2.5 cm. long and 1-2.5 mm. broad, deciduous except for the rigid basal portions, which form spiny projections covering the stem.

Flowers 10-25 in diffuse, minutely bracteate, ascending cymes 2-15 cm. long; peduncles naked, up to 15 cm. long; sepals 2, about 3 mm. long; petals 5, pale to deep rose or bright crimson-magenta, broadly elliptic-obovate, 7-10 mm. long and 5-7 mm. broad; stamens 15-30; style 3-cleft.

Capsule 3-5 mm. long.