[3] Claytonia megarhiza is native to western North America from northwestern Canada to New Mexico, where it grows in rock crevices and talus habitats in subalpine and alpine climates.

[5] This is a perennial herb growing from a thick, scaly caudex topped with a stem 5–25 cm (2–10 in) in length.

[2] The fleshy basal leaves form a dense rosette around the caudex.

The leaves are often red when young and turn green as they mature, often retaining a dark purple-red edge.

nivalis (Wenatchee springbeauty) grows on serpentine soils and has bright violet flowers.