It is native to the western United States from Washington and Idaho to southern California.

[2] It can be found in moist habitats, such as mountain meadows, swamps, fens, and riverbanks.

[2] It is a perennial herb growing from a tuberous root system, reaching a maximum height around 60 cm (24 in).

The top of the stem is occupied by the inflorescence, a dense spiral of many flowers.

Each flower is somewhat tubular, with an upper and lower lip, and cream to yellowish in color.