It grows to a height of 3–16 centimetres (1.2–6.3 in), and is topped with a purple, and occasionally white, flower that is 15 millimetres (0.59 in) or longer, and shaped like a funnel.

This butterwort grows in damp environments such as bogs and swamps, in low or subalpine elevations.

[4] This serves as a way for the plant to access a source of nitrogen, as they generally grow in soil that is acidic and low in nutrients, such as bogs.

[6] It has a generally circumboreal distribution, being native to almost every country in Europe as well as Russia, Canada, and the United States.

[5][7] It is generally found growing in places such as bogs, fens, alvars, and other areas with limestone bedrock and alkaline waters.