Alpine. Tundra. Summer.
Madden Peak Trail, June 22, 2004.

This is a common mat-forming, ground-hugging plant of tundra and open sub-alpine areas.  Its three parted leaf causes it to be taken for a Pea but a closer look shows the leaves to be very much like the leaves of the Rose Family member, Wild Strawberry.  A close inspection of the tiny flowers of Sibbaldia procumbens also shows them to to be distinctly non-pea.

Linnaeus named both the genus and species in 1753.  The genus name is for the Scottish botanist, Robert Sibbald.  "Procumbens" refers to its prostrate growth form. (More biographical information.)

Alpine. Tundra. Summer.
Madden Peak Trail, June 22, 2004.

Alpine. Tundra. Summer.
Sharkstooth Trail, June 28, 2007.

Alpine. Tundra. Summer.
Near Snowden Peak, August 1, 2005.

Two inch tall, very attractive red stalks with lovely seed heads finish the season for tiny Sibbaldia procumbens.