Linear-leaved Orogenia, Turkey-peas, Snowdrops = Orogenia linearifolia
--Karl Holte
Turkey Peas, Linear-leaved Orogenia, or Indian Potato, Orogenia linearifolia, in the Carrot (Parsley) family (Apiaceae). Found where snow is receding or immediately after snowmelt. I can begin to see these when I think in terms of looking for a cigarette ash.

I found no websites on the first page of Google hits that described the plant in simple sentences, but there is probably quite detailed information < grin > at:
http://www.esajournals.org/
esaonline/
?request=get-abstract
&issn=0012-9658
&volume=054
&issue=01&page=0168
--Ruth Moorhead