Mossy saxifrage is a low growing, evergreen perennial plant forming dense mats of foliage which seldom exceed in height. The leaves are linear lanceolate fringed with bristly hairs. The leaves curl together in winter and this form of growth is typical of plants growing at high altitudes and under cold conditions because it conserves energy. The leaves in the mat are about long while those that are found on the flowering stem are long. The leaf buds in the axils of the leaves are at least as long as the protecting leaves, a fact that distinguishes this species from the rather similar rough saxifrage,
Saxifraga aspera. The two species also occupy rather different habitats with the mossy saxifrage being found at higher altitudes, favouring rocky, exposed positions, while the rough saxifrage is often found on damp rocks by streams. The flowers are borne singly on erect stems and are relatively large. The stems are slightly hairy and are often tinged red, as are the five calyx lobes. There are usually five (occasionally six) petals which are oval and do not overlap each other. They are white with the lower half copiously dotted with yellow spots. The flowers can be seen in July and August. ==Distribution and habitat==