Published in Douglas ex Hook. (1874). In: U. S. Expl. Exped. 1838-42 17: Bot., II. Phanerogam. Pacific Coast N. Amer. 377, Descr.
The native range of this species is W. & E. Canada to N. & W. U.S.A. It is a subshrub and grows primarily in the subalpine or subarctic biome.