Brittle sandwort

Arenaria nuttallii Pax var. gracilis B. L. Robinson, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 29: 304. 1894; A. nuttallii subsp. gracilis (B. L. Robinson) Maguire; Minuartia nuttallii subsp. gracilis (B. L. Robinson) McNeill

Leaves tightly appressed to occasionally arcuate-spreading; blade 5-7 mm, apex spinescent. Flowers: sepals 1(-3)-veined, lanceolate (herbaceous portion lanceolate to often narrowly so), 4-5.7 mm, apex spinescent; petals 0.7-1 times as long as sepals.

Flowering spring-summer. Loose talus, sandy flats, barren rock; 2600-3800 m; Calif., Nev., Oreg.