Capsule stegocarpous, spores released after operculum falls. Spores mature late winter-spring. Soil (sandy, volcanic), alkali flats; moderate to high elevations (600-1700 m); Alta., B.C., Sask., Yukon; Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Idaho, Ill., Iowa, Kans., Minn., Nebr., Nev., N.Mex., N.Dak., Okla., Oreg., S.Dak., Tex., Utah, Wyo.; s South America; Europe; Asia; n Africa.