Dry open forests, rocky woodlands, barrens, boulder fields, bluffs, and riverside prairies, usually on mafic or calcareous substrates; occasionally in sandy floodplain forests along rivers and large streams. Infrequent in the Virginia mountains; rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain
Birds and small mammals enjoy the fruits as a food source. Host plant to the larva of giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes). Carrion flies pollinate the flowers
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Flowers as well as bruised leaves and stems have a malodorous fragrance
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.