General:
Perennial herb from a taproot; stem solitary, erect, 25-120 cm tall.

Leaves:
Alternate; basal and lower stem leaves palmately 3-5 lobed or divided without a narrow leaf axis, stalked below, becoming sessile above, primary divisions merely lobed or with teeth, blades 3-13 cm long, 2-18 cm wide.

Flowers:
Inflorescence of terminal umbels less than 1 cm wide in flower; flowers yellow or sometimes purplish; involucels inconspicuous, of 5 narrow bractlets.

Fruits:
Subglobose burrs, 2-5 mm long, covered, except sometimes at the base, with stout, hooked prickles.

Source:  The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Sanicula tripartita Suksd.