Douglas's sagewort is a three-four foot perennial that forms a 3-4 foot wide patch and has the fragrance of sage. It is found on woodland edges, stream banks, ditch banks, road cuts or other disturbed areas. It also tolerates sand and seasonal flooding. The flowers are wind pollinated

Selected long ago at Bellevue Botanic Garden, WA, for its superior form and color. It emerges every spring with dark chocolate foliage. Over the season, the leaves age to green with some ruddy highlights. White flowers on stems to 4 ft., leaves to 24 in.

It is widely recognized as one of the best forms that emerges with red leaves. The color is retained longer than other varieties, especially in full sun. Rodgersia are prone to spring frost so choosing a good site is important, and if they do get burnt back they will re-emerge. They are strong. Spreading ground cover to 24 in. in foliage, and 4ft., in blossom with white flowers.