USDA has moved L. latifolius var. subalpinus to L. arcticus of which it gives 2 subspecies.
ssp. articus: found from BC up to AK.
ssp. subalpinus: found in WA and OR.
from H&C L. latifolius var. subalpinus and var. thomsonianus are differentiated from L. latifolius var. latifolius by the plant being strongly "villous" (soft, shaggy unmatted hair) especially on the calyx and inflorescence.
from E-Flora BC:
Leaves mostly basal; longest leaf stalks 9-15 cm long...............ssp. arcticus
Leaves mostly along the stems; longest leaf stalks 4-8 cm long.......................ssp subalpinus
Note soft shaggy hair on calyx and inflorescence,
smaller size < 15 inches,
Blue to blue-violet flowers on tiered whorls,
pubescent stem leaves, with hair on edges, 6-9 leaflets.
Found Cascades and Olympic Mtns at upper elevations (subalpine ridges and mountain meadows).
west-side North Cascades
alpine open rocky slope
Yellow Aster Butte trail
Elevation: 1710 m (5609 ft)
