Montane, subalpine, alpine. Openings, tundra. Summer.
Above: Lake Hope Trail, August 11, 2014,
Rough Canyon Trail, June 26, 2015, and
U.S. Basin, August 4, 2015.
Left: Madden Peak Trail, June 22, 2004.

This is a common circumpolar, mat-forming, ground-hugging plant of tundra and open high montane and subalpine areas.  Its compound, three parted leaf might lead us to think it is a member of the Pea Family (Fabaceae), but a closer look shows the leaves to be very much like the leaves of other Rosaceae, especially Fragaria (Wild Strawberry).  A close inspection of the tiny flowers of Sibbaldia procumbens also shows them to to be distinctly Rosaceae with similarities to Fragaria, Geum, and Potentilla: sepals and petals usually 5, bractlets present and alternating with the sepals, and flowers with sessile receptacles.

In the above close-up of the flower, morning dew encases the floral parts with stamens seeming to float below the surface like frogs.

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

Montane, subalpine, alpine. Openings, tundra. Summer.
Madden Peak Trail, June 22, 2004.

Montane, subalpine, alpine. Openings, tundra. Summer.
Sharkstooth Trail, June 28, 2007.

Montane, subalpine, alpine. Openings, tundra. Summer.
Near Snowdon Peak, August 1, 2005.

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

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Sibbaldia procumbens