Caudex thickened, usually simple, rarely branched, (subterranean). Stems usually simple, rarely few from base, well-exserted, prostrate to decumbent. Basal leaves: blade margins entire. Fruits (slightly longer than broad), not conspicuously compressed at margins, apex somewhat compressed and usually not conspicuously beaked; valves usually glabrous, sometimes sparsely pubescent inside; ovules 8-12 per ovary; style usually straight.

Flowering May-Jul. Gravelly slopes, grassy ridges, outwash fans, steep limestone outcrops, limey gravel; 1500-3700 m; Nev., Utah.