Potentilla erecta is a low, clump-forming plant with slender, procumbent to arcuately upright stalks, growing 10–30 centimetres (3.9–11.8 in) tall and with non-rooting runners.

[4] Potentilla erecta is almost ubiquitous in the British Isles, recorded in almost all 10 km squares except close to the Wash.[2] and is listed as a species of least concern.

[5] It is very common in grasslands, heaths, moors and mountains, bogs including roadsides and pastures, mostly on acidic soils[3] but avoiding chalk.

[6] It is a component of British National Vegetation Classification community M25 (Molinia caerulea–Potentilla erecta mire).

The roots are a main ingredient of a bitter liqueur from Bavaria and the Black Forest area, called Blutwurz.