Native to southwestern China and widely naturalized across Europe and North America, this species has become a common feature in cottage gardens and heritage plantings due to its tall stature and abundant summer flowering. It thrives in full sun and tolerates various soil types, growing as a biennial or short-lived perennial, often reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet. The large funnel-shaped flowers emerge from the leaf axils on a tall central stalk and may range in color from nearly black to pale yellow or white. Each bloom typically spans 4 to 6 inches across and consists of overlapping, crinkled petals with a central column of stamens fused around the style, creating a distinctive floral structure. Historically, the flowers were also used to produce a natural dye, and the young leaves and flowers are consumed in some traditional Chinese preparations. Photographed in Peru.