Stems ± slender, usually branching, 1-4 dm. Leaves: basal persistent, 1-4 dm; blade lanceolate, tapering at base, flat; cauline bractlike. Inflorescences ± umbellate, 1-several-flowered. Flowers erect or spreading; perianth open, campanulate; sepals 10-15 mm; petals white to pinkish or purplish, obovate, 12-25 mm, adaxial surface densely hairy, margins ciliate; glands bordered proximally by ciliate membrane, distally by short hairs; anthers lanceolate, apex acute to apiculate. Capsules nodding, winged, oblong, 2-3 cm. Seeds deep purple, dark brown in age, irregular. 2n = 20.

Flowering mid spring--mid summer. Open grassy slopes or in woods, often on poor, dry soil; 0--2000 m; Calif., Oreg., Wash.