Native Habitat:
Open forests, rocky slopes, and shaded woodlands in western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 1–2 feet tall, with basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves. Produces erect stems with clusters of small greenish flowers.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Partial shade to full shade; thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soils. Tolerates seasonal wetness but prefers consistently damp, humus-rich conditions.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Polystichum munitum, Tolmiea menziesii, Athyrium filix-femina, Adiantum pedatum, Camassia leichtlinii.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds textural foliage, subtle floral interest, and seasonal color to shaded urban gardens, woodland-inspired landscapes, and rain gardens. Works well as an understory plant beneath trees and shrubs, providing layered planting structure and seasonal bloom interest.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract small native bees and flies. Foliage and leaf mats provide shelter for insects and microfauna.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for minor medicinal purposes; valued ornamentally in shaded and woodland-inspired gardens.