A characteristic species beneath aspens in the mountains, tall, willowy leafy jacob's ladder likes rich soils, regular water, and dappled shade. It does not perform well in full sun on hot exposures, even if well-watered. It flowers for several weeks in early to midsummer, with pretty, star-shaped, lavender flowers that shade to a delicate, pale pink. With its attractive, coarsely divided, deep green foliage, it adds substance and texture to the garden even when not in flower. Leafy jacob's ladder is a wonderful addition to a shade garden, combining well with tall larkspur, sticky geranium, maple mallow and other robust, shade-tolerant perennials.