It is native to China, the Russian Far East, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, where it grows on rugged terrain.

The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and vary in shape, from narrow and lance-like to broader forms such as elliptic, ovate, or nearly round.

[3] The specific epithet, derived from Greek, means "everliving",[5] likely referring to the ability of most stonecrops to persist as hardy, long-lasting plants.

[1] Phedimus aizoon is typically found in rugged environments, such as the edges of ravines in valleys, grasslands on rocky slopes, and dry, sunny areas on mountains.

[3] Native to Central and East Asia, Phedimus aizoon occurs across much of Russia, including Altay, Amur, Buryatia, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva, West Siberia, and Yakutia.

The species has been introduced to Europe (Austria, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Scandinavian and Baltic countries), Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Maritimes), and the United States (New England, the Midwest, and the Great Lakes region).

[10] Flavonoids from P. aizoon exhibited antibacterial activity against lactic acid bacteria in vitro and extended the shelf life of refrigerated pork by inhibiting microbial growth, color loss, and the oxidation of myoglobin.

[11] The flavonoids of P. aizoon have been found to have strong antioxidant effects, help regulate blood sugar and fat levels, and protect organs from damage in mice with type 1 diabetes by reducing oxidative stress, suggesting their potential use in diabetes-friendly functional foods.

This species is commonly found in two colorful forms: one with bright green foliage and vivid yellow flowers, and another with darker, wine-brown leaves and richer golden blooms.