Interesting pink veined foliage, showy flowers. Often lies on its side with the flowers held somewhat above the rest of the plant. Has an extremely deep taproot.  Is notoriously difficult to transplant. Small specimen plant.

Typically grown in the background of a wildflower garden as its tall flower stalks are only visible in fall. The remainder of the year is looks like a moderate-sized grass.

The published gardening lore says "part-sun" -- where I have seen this growing in nature, it has been in shade. Bog gardens. Wet meadows. Moist native gardens.