It can usually be found in rocky areas, such as sagebrush deserts and Ponderosa pine forests.

It inhabits much of the western part of the United States and southern British Columbia.

[2][3] The parsnipflower buckwheat is an erect herbaceous perennial plant rarely more than 40 cm (15+3⁄4 in) tall.

Blooming early in the summer, its flowers measure 4–9 mm (1⁄8–3⁄8 in); these are pale yellow and redden with age.

[4] The leaves are arranged in loose rosettes, covered with soft hairs measuring 5–30 mm (1⁄4–1+1⁄8 in).