It erects slim, tall, hairy stems which are dark in color and are topped with inflorescences of 3 to 18 showy flowers.

Each flower nods, with its pointed center aimed at the ground when fresh, and becomes more erect with age.

It has four or five reflexed sepals in shades of pink, lavender, or white which lie back against the body of the flower.

This wildflower is native to western North America from California to Alaska to Montana, where it grows in mountain meadows and streambanks.

The flowers of this species were considered good luck by the Nlaka'pamux people, who used them as amulets and love charms.