Native Habitat:
Alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, and tundra regions in western North America, including higher elevation areas of the Willamette Valley region. Prefers well-drained, calcareous soils.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Low-growing, evergreen perennial, forming dense mats 4–8 inches tall. Produces glossy, dark green leaves and showy white flowers with yellow centers in late spring. Spreads via creeping stems to form groundcover mats.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Festuca roemeri, Camassia quamash, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Achillea millefolium.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Ideal for rock gardens, alpine-inspired urban landscapes, and low-maintenance sunny borders. Provides year-round foliage, seasonal flowers, and erosion control on slopes or shallow soils. Works well in naturalized plantings and pollinator-friendly gardens with other low-growing native perennials.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, small butterflies, and other pollinators. Dense mats provide cover for ground-dwelling insects and beneficial microfauna.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, as groundcover, and occasionally in decorative plantings.