Prefers growing in marshy conditions. Very easily grown in any damp soil. Prefers a heavy rich moist soil and partial shade. Prefers a sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. This species has been cultivated by the N. American Indians as a medicinal plant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

None known

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done in early autumn after flowering, but can also be done in mid-spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Swamps, wet meadows, scrub and by lakes and rivers. Wetlands.