It is native to several regions of the northern hemisphere, including much of Eurasia and western North America.

It is common to abundant in many areas, but it is known to be negatively impacted by habitat fragmentation and other habitat destruction, and human activity has led to its extirpation from some areas where it was once common.

[4][5] It is a perennial herb producing usually one erect stem growing 10 to 50 centimeters tall.

The corolla is dull blue to violet in color with darker purplish veining or stippling.

Stamens tipped with large anthers surround a central ovary.