It has a circumpolar distribution in the northern hemisphere, native to temperate and boreal North America and Eurasia, where it grows in wet and moist habitats, including ponds and streambanks.

The leaves are more or less glabrous (hairless) and have small blades each deeply lobed or divided into three leaflets.

The flowers are 5-10mm across with five or fewer yellow petals a few millimeters long and reflexed sepals.

When the leaves are wrinkled, damaged or crushed, they bring out unsightly sores and blisters on human skin.

Side effects after ingestion can manifest themselves as extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.