Small herbaceous plant with leaves in a basal rosette and tiny white flowers on elongated stalks. The entire plant turns reddish in the fall.
Corolla (flower petals) shorter than the underlying calyx (sepals) distinguish this species from the similar A. septentrionalis. It also blooms earlier and is found at much lower elevations, although there is some overlap.
Habitat
Open grassy slopes and ledges; canyon sides at low elevations. Often found along streams and washes.
Flower Characteristics
Funnel-shaped, 5-petaled flowers on long scapes (flower stalks). Flowers in clusters with a whorl of leaf-like bracts at the base of the inflorescence.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves in a basal rosette; entire or few-toothed; less than 1/2 inch long.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Rounded capsule forms inside the calyx tube.
Seeds are black and very tiny.