It grows on slopes, shaded by being in canyons or facing north, at altitudes of 1,700 to 3,000 meters (5,500 to 10,000 feet).

The typical habitat, at least in the southern part of its range, is dominated by ponderosa pine and scrub oak (Elmore 1976).

In May or June, mountain ninebark bears "rather lovely" white or rose-colored flowers, with five petals based in a cup-like structure.

Indians made a pain-relieving poultice by boiling the roots and placing them on the site while still warm.

Rocky Mountain goats eat the twigs when smaller plants are hidden under snow (Elmore 1976).