This native perennial wildflower is often seen growing out of cracks in rock. The earlier genus name Saxifraga translates from Latin as "Rock Breaker." It does not actually break the rock, but takes advantage of natural fractures. In spite of a reclassification into a new genus it is still part of the saxifrage (Saxifragaceae) family. It is also known by the common name Virginia saxifrage, everlasting, lungwort, and sweet wilson.

The normal blooming period for this species in Pennsylvania is April and May.  It can grow to a height of 4-18 inches in wet or dry woods and rocky areas in the Eastern United States. It is found throughout the state of Pennsylvania. It is endangered in Illinois and rare in Indiana. Both states are at the western end of its range.

The small leaves are basal in a rosette, are broadly toothed and have hairs around their edges. Each is 1-3 inches long. They are oval to elliptical in shape. The young leaves can be harvested and eaten in a salad. The branching flower stalk is leafless, hairy and sticky, a trait that may deter crawling insects from reaching the flowers. In general, flying insects are more efficient pollinators. A single cluster of stems at the top of the stalk may contain 30 or more individual flowers. A single plant may put up multiple flower stalks.

The 1/4 inch white flowers have five petals and five sepals and blooms from March to May. There are 10 yellow stamens and usually two teardrop-shaped carpels. The flowers are fragrant. The early saxifrage is often cultivated for rock gardens. The fruit is a two-beaked capsule containing many small seeds.