It is native to the western Canada and the north-central and western United States,[2] appearing in upper steppe lands, forests, and alpine ridges.

For Nuttall's violet the only purple coloring is the nectar guides in the throat of the flower.

[4] The species name is given in honor of noted botanist Thomas Nuttall.

[2] The plant is highly variable, usually with bright yellow petals.

[3] The species serves as a larval host for the Coronis fritillary butterfly.