Spring Sandwort often grows in unlikely places. You can find it on slag heaps and in the crevices of rocks. Although nationally scarce, it is quite common in Cwm Idwal and the Great Orme where it might be confused with Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossy Saxifrage) at first glance.

It has a localised distribution with a large concentration in northern England, north Wales and the Peak district but it is scarce in Scotland and most of Wales. In Ireland it is found in the west and north east only.