Most historical records of Olsynium douglasii are from the intersection of Blacks Creek Road and I-85, Federal Way and Gowen Road/I-85, and along Highway 21 near Hilltop.  However, as of 2025 I have only been able to locate a couple of small, localized populations in remnant roadside habitats that are fenced from grazing.  My suspicion is that the bright green clumps, among the earliest new growth to appear in early spring, are irresistible to any cattle grazing at this time of year, resulting in the elimination of this delightful wildflower from areas where it would otherwise provide a welcome splash of bright pink to herald the end of winter.

Bernice Bjornson had this this to say about the species in 1946: “The common name is grass widow.  It is so-called, the guess is, because each flower lives but a day; but during that day with its yellow anthers and purple perianth it looks gaily upon the world.  The plant blooms early in the spring and can be found along some creeks and in moist meadows.”

In older references this species was best known as Sisyrinchium inflatum.