Habitat: oak woods, ridge tops, old fields, swamps, cool mountain meadows and slopes
Wildlife Value: Provides winter cover. Hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers. Although the foilage is toxic to domestic livestock, white-tailed deer browse the leaves and twigs during the winter and early spring.
Notes: This plant is highly flammable and should not be planted near your home. Foliage poisonous to hoofed browsers. Attractive foliage makes this a good choice for year-round interest. Flowers have touch-sensitive anthers contained in pockets in the corolla, which triggers the release of pollen when pollinators like bees visit. Not easy to establish, needs afternoon shade, acid, cool soil. Prune lightly after bloom to encourage a bushier shape. Needs enough water but also good drainage, so plant it high in acidic soil and water weekly. Flowers better with more sun. Tolerates heavy shade.