It is native to North America, where it can be found throughout the northern regions, including Alaska and most of Canada (all three territories plus every province except Prince Edward Island, in addition to territory north of the Arctic Circle.)

Its distribution extends through the western United States as far south as Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

This is a perennial herb producing one or more decumbent or upright stems from a branching caudex.

The leaves are lance-shaped or linear, sometimes narrowing quite a bit at the bases to become spoon- or spatula-shaped.

They measure up to 20 centimeters long at the base of the plant, and are smaller higher up the stem.