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Basal 3-8 cm long; deeply cleft; slightly toothed margin; stem leaves sessile; lance-shaped; margins entire or slightly toothed; ear-shaped at base (Moss, 1983). Basal leaves in rosette; stem leaves alternate; base clasps to stem (Johnson et al., 1995).

2n=32 (Moss, 1983). The plant has been eaten but is known to have a bitter taste; used as potherb or eaten in salads; pods have been used as substitute for mustard; roots have been used as substitute for ginger (Johnson et al., 1995). Many birds eat the fruits; one plant can produce 40000-60000 seeds; their stickiness can trap small invertebrates and insects (Johnson et al., 1995). The gelatine-like substance contains protease which digests trapped critters which may help in early growth (Johnson et al., 1995). This plant was considered to be an important drug plant; it was made into a tea, salve, poultice and used to stop external bleeding, to treat diarrhea, dysentery, as a diuretic to treat kidney or bladder problems (Johnson et al., 1995). This plant is high in vitamin C and has been used to prevent scurvy; it is high in vitamin K which helps in blood-clotting; it is high in calcium, sulphur and sodium (Johnson et al., 1995). In tea form is has been used to relieve rheumatism and poison ivy (Johnson et al., 1995).

Alberta: Scattered throughout the province (Canadensys). Introduced in CAN (BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, SK, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, YT); USA (AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY) (USDA).