It is native to meadows and forests of western North America, Canada, and the northern contiguous United States.

[3] The single-flowered inflorescence grows at the end of a very thin peduncle reaching about 7.5 cm (3 in) high.

It has also been observed in Southern Ontario in tall grass prairies on the sand plain and in black oak savannas.

These plant parts are high in vitamins A and C. However, the rhizomes, fruit, and seeds are poisonous to humans and can cause upset stomach, intestinal problems, respiratory and circulatory depression.

[12] The Dakelh take a decoction of the entire plant for stomach pain,[13] the Klallam apply a poultice of smashed flowers to the chest or side for pain,[14] the Makah chew the roots and leaves while giving birth,[14] and the Tolowa apply a poultice of chewed leaves to sore eyes.