Description:Herbs perennial. Principal roots hard, woody; rootlets slender. Stems densely pulvinate, erect, 4--10 cm, white glandular hairy distally, with dense, brown, withered, persistent leaves at base
Habitat:Rock outcrops, dry, sandy hillsides, roadsides; 300-900 m (ssp capillaris); Alpine meadows, talus slopes, aspen woods; 1200-3000 m (ssp americana)
| Form of cushion | C | Hemispherical (dome shaped) cushion |
| Compactness | 0_1 | Intermediate |
| Variability | 0 | No variability |
| Root system | NA | NA |
| Woodiness | 1 | Woody at base |
| Thorniness | 0 | No |
| Succulence | 0 | No |
| Flowers | 2 | Long peduncle |