Fens, especially in shrubby areas, and coniferous swamps, often associated with tamarack and cedar, less often with spruce and fir; not tolerant of dense shade, but thriving in open glades, clearings, old roads through peaty ground, etc.; occasionally in other swampy situations (e.g., with red maple) and along calcareous ridges and dunes, with conifers, along the northern shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron.

A magnificent plant; robust individuals can be up to a meter tall, with three flowers.The hairs of this species, and of C. parviflorum, are irritating to some people, producing a rash resembling poison-ivy.