Common in subalpine meadows, this species often flowers as the snow melts. The elongated, fuzzy seed heads are distinctive, and the plants are covered with whitish hairs.

The leaves are basal and divided 3 or 4 times. There are 6 or 7 whitish sepals. The flowering stems often poke above the surrounding vegetation.

The flowers lack petals; the white color derives from the 6 or 7 sepals that are sometimes bluish beneath. This species is a member of the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) Family.