Plants annual, with minute, tuberous body; periderm absent. Stems 3-15 cm. Leaves: basal leaves petiolate, 2-30 cm, blade rhombic or ovate, 2-3 cm; cauline leaves sessile, distinct or slightly connate on 1 side only, blade ovate, 1-3 cm. Inflorescences multibracteate, or with 2-several bracts near base of inflorescence; bracts leaflike, 2-10 mm. Flowers 4-8 mm diam.; sepals 2-3.5 mm; petals pink, 3-4 mm; ovules 3. Seeds 1-2 mm diam., shiny and smooth; elaiosome 1 mm. 2n = 24.

Flowering Jan-Jun. Coastal bluffs and disturbed places associated with red alder and moss mats in boulders and cliffs of moist coastal forests; of conservation concern; 0-500 m; B.C.; Calif., Oreg., Wash.

Claytonia washingtoniana is a fertile hybrid between C. sibirica and C. perfoliata.