One of the earliest emerging species, it is found in wooded and open fens. The plant begins to emerge in late February and will start melting the snow cover around it. The mature folige is egg shaped and shiny. The bllooms are small brown cup like structures that form before the leaves fully unfurl. By summer, the whole plant has died back to the ground. Associated species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex hystericina, and Chelone glabra.