It is native to western North America, where it can be found from Alaska to Ontario, the Dakotas, Texas and far northern California.

It grows in many types of habitat, from grassland to the alpine climates of high mountains, in rocky and sandy areas.

[2] It is most common on dry soils in open areas, tolerating desiccation relatively easily.

[2] This lycophyte forms mats or cushions of creeping stems which fork into small, upright branches.

The green, linear or lance-shaped leaves are up to 5 millimeters long including the short, soft bristles on the tips.