Very similar to C. mertensiana in most respects. Leaves 3–5 mm long with a prominent medial groove on their dorsal surface, widening toward the base dividing it into 2 small, ear-like lobes; leaf margin and groove copiously, finely ciliate (Stickney in
Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Our plants are subspecies
saximontana (Small) C.L.Hitchc.