[2] Codonopsis lanceolata grows in moist areas in woodland on low hills or mountains at an elevation of 200–1600 m. The plant grows best in light and medium-well drained soils with plenty of moisture with a neutral to semi-acidic pH and in full sun to semi-shade.

[3][4] It will grow to a height of 15 feet (4.6 m) high, blooming in late summer, but it dies back each winter.

[4] The plant is grown commercially in Hoengseong County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, where it is an important part of the local agriculture.

[6] Grilled deodeok marinated in gochujang, called deodeok-gui (더덕구이), is served as a vegetarian main dish.

The genus name, Codonopsis, is derived from the Greek κώδων (kodon) "bell" and ὄψις (opsis) "eye, to see", referring to the shape of the petals of the flower.