It is native to subarctic North America (Alaska, the Northwest Territories and Yukon).

[3] Molecular phylogenetic studies showed that the genus Douglasia is nested within Androsace.

Androsace americana are relatively small, usually found as mats growing up to about 2 inches tall.

[7] Petals are deeply lobed and fuse at the bottom to form the flower.

[8] Scapes are generally 2 mm in early anthesis, but range from 2–4 cm in fruits, and are typically glandular and hairy, but can sometimes be hairless.