[1][2][3] The leaves are opposite, ovate, 2–6 cm and coarsely dentate.

The flowers and fruits are clustered near the top of the fruiting raceme; each raceme bears 15 or less white or pink flowers in mid-May through early September.

[4][5][6] Each flower has two white to light pink petals 1–1.5 mm (0.04–0.06 in) long with two lobes.

[7][8] In Eurasia, the range of C. alpina includes Northern Europe south to Albania and Bulgaria and east to Korea and Japan.

[9] It is generally found in forests or near streams from sea level to 3,000 metres (10,000 ft).