It is native to western North America from Alaska to New Mexico, where it can be found in a number of habitats, especially mountains and forests.

This is a perennial herb varying in maximum height from 20 to 80 centimeters.

The leaves are up to 15 centimeters wide and are divided into generally five segments, each segment subdivided into small rounded or pointed lobes.

The flower has five pointed sepals beneath five rounded petals, each one to two centimeters long.

The fruit has a small body with a straight style up to 2.5 centimeters long (see image at left).