This is kind of a jurassic park plant to me. In early spring, the knobby 'elephant toe' roots send up tall sturdy flower stalks with pink clusters that dance in the wind. About midway through the bloom, the leaves start to emerge and unfold into giant umbrellas. For me, an added bonus is this plant is native so I can freely introduce it into my wild areas.

I agree, it's a very cool looking plant! Wish I had a damp spot for it; it is very hardy as well.

Yes, it does well in damp soil. I moved some to my very soggy lower field as an understory to a mixed area of alders, salmonberry, hazelnuts, and dogwood. They rooted just fine and are busily expanding their presence. I plan to continue adding them here and there as they bulk up and become divisable.

Absolutely love it! My yard has many wet spots and I'd love to have it. Problem: I live in zone 9a! Do you think it would survive? Thanks, Julie

Per info on web, it is hardy to zones 5-7, but it does fine in my zone 8. I would give it a try and try to keep it away from drying winds and in full shade with moist feet and see how it does. It is a very impressive plant.

My source says hardy zone 4-9; I know gardeners here in zone 3 have good luck with it.

I got my start from my sister who is in zone 4/5 and it does well for her too. My concern with zone 9 would be how much 'cold' exposure it might need over the winter. I don't know the answer to that.

This plant is also one of my most favorite shade plants. I started mine many years ago on the border of my pond. It took off immediately eager to grow and to expand, careless, pretty flowers early in the season, and the leaves are absolutely stunning, they give that lush tropical look I like so much! It actually also grows in shallow water, it expands in the shallow parts of the pond. When it is freezing, the new buds under the water surface come out unharmed from these icy conditions!