It is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it occurs in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

It forms a hairy mat generally up to 40 to 60 centimetres (16 to 24 inches)[1][2] tall and wide, but it can reach a height and width of one meter at times.

The inflorescence is a series of branching stems with sparse clumps of small white, pink, or reddish flowers.

[5] This plant grows on grassy plains, sagebrush deserts, and ponderosa pine forests mainly east of the Cascade Range.

[1][2] It is a pioneer species, taking hold in thin, dry soils where other plants have not yet established.