General:
Perennial herb from a slender rhizome; mat-forming; stems decumbent to ascending, several, branched above, 5-25 cm tall/long, glabrous.

Leaves:
Stem leaves alternate, linear to linear-lanceolate, succulent, rounded in cross section, not strongly keeled, strongly pointed, finely pimply to smooth, upper leaves deciduous by flowering time, lower leaves crowded to form basal rosettes, often reddish-green, sometimes covered with a white waxy powder, turning golden in autumn.

Flowers:
Inflorescence of terminal, umbrella-shaped clusters; petals 5, yellow but sometimes reddish-tinged; stamens shorter than the petals.

Fruits:
Follicles, erect, fused at the base.

Notes:
Two varieties occur in BC:

1. Leaves usually smooth, closely tufted and overlapping on the flowering stems................... var. nesioticum (G.N. Jones) C. L. Hitchc.

1. Leaves usually finely pimply, usually not overlapping on the flowering stems.................. var. lanceolatum

Source:  The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia