Cushion hemispherical evergreen 15 to 25 cm diam. Leaves pale green or glaucescent-green, linear-subulate, narrowly-triangular, rigid, 2-4 cm x 0.1-0.2 cm. Flower stalks rising above the leaves to 10 cm. Spikes loose, shorter on the lateral branches. Spiklets single-flowered. Flowers purple or bright pink to nearly white. V - throughout the season, new growth in early spring, the spring leaves are shorter and broader than the summer ones. Fl - July. Fr - August. P - by seed. Requires a sunny position and well-drained soil. Z 6 (5).

Central Asia (mountains of Turkmenia) and Iran. On rocky mountain slopes and talus.