Syn.: Micranthes occidentalis (S. Watson) Small, Saxifraga reflexa subsp. occidentalis (S. Watson) Hultén
Family: Saxifragaceae Juss.
Distribution: Species of the west of North America found from Alaska through British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to US states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.
Ecology: Moist slopes, montane and alpine from 1000 m to 2300 m. Blooms May to August.
Description: Perennial herb, stems erect, 5–20 cm tall, red glandular, short hairy, single, sometimes multiple, from short rhizomes. Basal leaves ovoid to elliptic, 2–6 cm long, tapered to broad stalks, edged with 15–30 teeth, often rusty-hairy beneath. Flowers in terminal cymes, 5–6 mm across, sepals 5, pale green, blunt, backward bending, petals 5, ovoid, white or tinged with pinkish or purplish, dropped early, stamens 10, yellow anthers, pistil 2. Fruit are 2 erect pods (follicles) with spreading tips, reddish-purple, 3–6 mm long.
These images were taken in Canada, Alberta, Plateau Mountain (July 2011).
