Jacob's ladder gets its common name from its small leaflets which are arranged in a ladder-like manner along the long, graceful leaves. It does not tolerate the hot, humid conditions of the lower Piedmont and coastal plains, and does appreciate a location with part shade.

This self-seeding herbaceous perennial, will also spread by rhizomes.

Its native habitat includes moist, deciduous woods and stream banks. It has a low drought tolerance and will go dormant in drought conditions.

It can be propagated by rootstock division or seed. Divide clumps in early spring or late summer. Seeds can be sown as they ripen or in the early spring.

Host plant for the larvae of at least two moth species ,