Now here's an odd Caryophyllaceae... Minuartia austromontana.
I always enjoy seeing it though it's hardly the showiest in its family or even in its genus, as this species usually lacks petals, or if they are present, they tend to be rudimentary and shorter than the pointed sepals (Moss & Packer). Nonetheless, it forms an elegant and understated little chartreuse cushion that is probably overlooked much more often than it's noticed.
It's quite common here in some areas, and favours dry alpine ridges, blooming in early to mid-July in the areas where I tend to see it. According again to Moss & Packer, it occurs from Alberta south to Wyoming and Utah, and across into NE Oregon... and also into BC according to other sources.
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250060625
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MIAU3
