May 20, 1805, along the Musselshell River, Montana.
The entire plant forms a low, matted, clump of spiny jointed stems. Flowers 1.5-2 in (3.8-5 cm) wide, yellow or greenish, blooming near upper ends of joints. Height: 8-10 in (20-25 cm), with the clump 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 m) wide.
Dry open areas.
Western Washington and southern British Columbia; south on the east side of the Cascade Mountains to northern California and northern Arizona; east to northern Texas and southern Michigan.
