Plants 7-15 cm; fibrous-rooted, relatively slender, rhizomelike bases, without strongly developed woody roots. Stems prostrate to procumbent, not wiry or brittle. ( Leaves 5-12 mm). Phyllaries glabrous or sparsely hairy, densely glandular. Flowering Jun-Sep. Open, rocky crests and slopes; 2700-2900 m; Calif.