It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Utah, where it is known from several habitat types, including forest and woodland.

The inflorescence is borne on a stout, leafless[3] peduncle widening at the top where it blooms in an umbel of yellow or purplish flowers.

This plant is a traditional source of food for many Native American groups, and its parts are used medicinally, including as a treatment for tuberculosis.

[4] It also has been used ceremonially in association with the fishing and processing of salmon among peoples of southwestern British Columbia and Washington.

Among other peoples also, including the Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth, the seeds are burned as an incense at funerals and chewed by singers to ease their throats.