It has a circumboreal distribution, occurring throughout cool temperate Asia, Europe, and North America, particularly in northern regions.

It is most commonly found on lake shores, marshy riversides and stream margins, often partly submerged with foliage floating.

The leaves are glaucous green with three to seven (mostly five) narrow leaflets 3–6 cm (1–2 in) long with coarsely toothed margins.

The flowers are produced in loose clusters at the apex of the stems; they vary from red to purple, and are 20–30 mm (1–1 in) in diameter.

Marsh cinquefoil prefers peaty soils but can also grow in moist sandy areas.