Authors: Scop.
Forms moderately dense cushions of l-2cm diameter rosettes composed of 8-10mm long, tight green leaves, most of which are three-lobed with broad and distinct petioles. Flowering stems 3-8cm tall bearing one to three dull white flowers with 4-5mm long petals. High northern latitudes of northern Europe and North America, occurring also on mountains in Wales and Scotland. The species itself is rarely seen in gardens, not being very decorative, though it is important as one of the parents of the Mossy Hybrids. There is also a naturally occurring S.c. var. hirta, which is very distinct in appearance and is in cultivation.
