One stem or several, growing upwards or at an angle, branching (if at all) above the middle; leaves grow at the base and along the stem, where they are about half as long, and clasping. When fruiting, the flower stalks are spreading or ascending.
Perennial, stems erect or ascending; basal leaves oblong to spatula-like, tapering at base; stem leaves somewhat wrap around the stem; flowers have 4 white to pinkish-purple petals; fruit roundish to wedge-shaped, slightly winged, notched at tip.
Habitat
Alpine or subalpine slopes, mountainsides, woodlands, meadows, rocky crevices, rocky and gravelly soil in valleys, knolls.
Flower Characteristics
Flower clusters may be compact, spherical, or elongated, up to 10 inches; 4 sepals are oblong, pinkish-purple, 1/4 inch long; 4 clawed petals (narrow at base), white, to 1/2 inch long, rounded tips; yellow stamens and style extend outside flower throat.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves green (but often tinged with purple), succulent, hairless, in basal rosette with upper leaves wrapping around stem, narrow to oblong to spatula-like, up to 3 inches long, margins may be smooth or finely toothed.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruits are flattened green pods, generally wider above the middle, with pointed tips, and 2 seeds per pod.
Brown, 1/16 inch long, minutely reticulate (veins forming a network).