It is native to western North America from Alaska to California to New Mexico, where it grows in wet, wooded habitat such as forest streambanks.

It is a perennial herb producing a slender, erect stem which may exceed half a meter in maximum height.

The lightly hairy lower leaves have blades deeply divided into three toothed lobes borne on long petioles.

[3] It could be confused with Geum macrophyllum, as they look similar and share habitats, but looking at the leaves more closely should make it obvious which is which.

[3] It can be found in a variety of low to mid-elevation habitats, from meadows, streamsides, and beaches to shady and moist woodlands.