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Perennial of the Polygonaceae family, this variety is native to the mountains of western North America, where it occupies scree, rocky ridges, and gravelly slopes at altitude, on well-drained volcanic or schist substrates, generally between 2,000 and 3,500 meters.
The variety porteri is distinguished from the type species by its exceptionally reduced and prostrate habit: the dense and tight cushion rarely exceeds 3 to 5 cm in height, with leaves and inflorescences remaining proportionally miniaturized. The leaves are oval-spatulate, dark green on top, with very marked reddish petioles and stems that contrast sharply with the foliage, giving it a permanent and decorative bicolor appearance even outside of flowering. The remains of the previous year's leaves, dark brown, persist within the cushion.
The inflorescences, almost sessile, form small bright yellow glomerules directly placed on the foliage. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to August.
In cultivation, it requires a very well-drained, poor soil, in full sun; it does not tolerate stagnant winter moisture.