Tufted (bunched) perennial, growing from cluster of fleshy white roots with compact basal winter rosettes that grow out to slender erect or ascending stems 2 to 8 inches tall. Flowers in rounded clusters, center flowers opening first.
Basal leaves minutely hairy, to 1/8 inch wide, upper narrower, tips rounded; rounded clusters of 10 to 27 flowers; flowers white sometimes tinged with pink or purple, 5 petals widely spreading, narrow, pointed; sepals erect to spreading.
Habitat
Found on rocks, usually in partial shade, among mosses, or in crevices and in spaces that harbor pockets of moisture.
Flower Characteristics
Clusters 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches wide, often with several branches; 5 petals, 5 sepals and 5 tepals; white or pinkish; sepals unequal, narrowly oblong or linear, acute to obtuse, weakly or not spurred; petals lanceolate, sharply pointed; pistils erect.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal leaves round to spatula-like, often with raised dots, 1/16 to 1/4 inch long, 1/8 inch wide; upper leaves gradually narrower, spatula-like to narrow or narrowly oblong, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long; light green; all leaf tips pointed to squared off.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Follicles nearly erect, distinct, abruptly narrowing to styles, pale brown.