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.”

There are several historical records of Olsynium douglasii in South Boise and along Highway 21 near Hilltop, but as of 2022 I have failed to locate any extant populations.  They should be looked for in early spring, possibly forming pink patches in appropriate habitats.