Large Fothergilla is a rounded, multistemmed, deciduous shrub with erect stems and noted for its fall foliage. The leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and wide and display a fall color that ranges from yellow to orange to scarlet. The flowers, which do not have petals, have a bottle-brush look, 3 inches long, with a slight honey fragrance and tend to appear with the foliage and last for several weeks. It is a slow growing plant. In contrast to the smaller Dwarf Fothergilla, Large Fothergilla matures to a height of 12 feet and a width of 10 feet.

Large Fothergilla does best in full sun or part shade in average, medium moist, well-drained soil, although it is adaptable to various soil types. It prefers acidic, well-drained, moist, soil, with adequate organic matter. It is drought tolerant and seldom damaged by deer. It may spread by root suckers to form colonies if suckers are not promptly removed.

Host plant for the American Holly Azure Butterfly/