Detailed Habitat
This perennial plant thrives in a range of elevations, from montane to subalpine life zones, generally between 900 and 3,962 meters (approximately 3,000 to 13,000 feet). Key characteristics of its habitat include: 
Forest Types: It is a common wildflower in coniferous woods, including spruce-fir-aspen forests. It is often found in open areas within these forests.
Soil and Moisture: It prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil, such as sandy, gravelly, or loamy types, but can also be found in dry woods.
Specific Locations: It can be found in various open environments, including forest openings, slopes, and meadows. It often grows abundantly at the base of spruce trees.
 
The plant is hemiparasitic, meaning it has green leaves for photosynthesis but also connects to the roots of adjacent plants (such as sedges and grasses) to extract additional nutrients and water.