This shrub grows in open conifer woods. Its underground stems (rhizomes) can lie dormant up to 100 years before sprouting. The flower buds are brownish red, turning into white or pink bell-shaped flowers. Several buds grow on a stem, and each bud can open up and have several blossoms. Its leaves turn red in autumn. The speciesis a host plant for over 15 different species of moth larvae.
