The plant can get very large and lush, especially in rich, heavy soils. Growing a bit leaner and drier is a good idea. It likes good mulch and amendment but can grow very dry when fully established. Its luch, dark green foliage is very formal looking for a native plant, and the classic, white anemone-like flowers and delicate fragrance are perfect for a formal garden setting. It is an interesting plant botanicly.
Botanists consider it a living relic of an ancient group of plants.
There are no close relatives alive now, only in fossil records. The native populations grow only in Fresno County between the San Joaquin and King rivers. Some of these populations are now protected, but many are on privately owned land and at risk of being destroyed by clearing for residential development. Fire suppression over the past decades have also prevented seedlings from developing in the extra light and different nutrient levels of a fire- cleared area. Since its discovery in 1845 by botanist John Fremont, it has been a very popular plant outside of California, known in England's Royal Botanic gardens since that time, and also a hit among California native plant people.