Native Habitat:
Alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open ridges across western North America, including higher elevations of the Cascades near the Willamette Valley. 
 
Bloom Time:
July – September
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 4–12 inches tall, forming compact clumps or mats. Produces solitary lavender to purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers atop slender stems.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in rocky, sandy, or well-drained soils with low fertility. Tolerates drought and cold, favoring open, exposed habitats.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Eriogonum compositum, Penstemon rupicola, Sedum oreganum, Lewisia columbiana, Lupinus lepidus.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds vibrant late-summer color, resilience, and alpine character to rock gardens, green roofs, and drought-tolerant urban landscapes. Ideal for small spaces, container plantings, or naturalistic designs emphasizing native alpine species.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other high-elevation pollinators. Seed heads provide food for small birds. Compact form offers shelter for beneficial insects.
 
Historical Use:
Primarily appreciated for its ornamental beauty and resilience in harsh conditions; symbolic of alpine biodiversity and climate-adapted native plantings.