This species was newly discovered in New Mexico by Ben S. Legler in 2009 (Jour Bot Res Inst Texas 4(2). 2010). This species was named in 2002 from southeastern Alaska and originally thought to be rare. It has since been found elsewhere in Alaska, Montana, Idaho, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Canada, and Norway. It is widely scattered with only one or two occurrences per state except Colorado where there are 5-10 occurrences. Individual populations can have many plants. This is a tiny plant that is difficult to find. It will likely be found elsewhere with further searches. This plant is too common and widespread to be considered rare by NMRPTC criteria.