Jacob's ladder is a delicate little perennial with attractive fern-like foliage. It features small blueish bell-shaped flowers in the late spring though early summer. It can exhibit a skunky smell, but generally only when the leaves are disturbed; I would describe it as more curious than unpleasant. 
 
This species likes stony soil, and is a great choice for a rock garden or well-drained slope. It is not prone to spreading, and does well with other 'well-behaved' species such as alumroot, lance-leaf stonecrop, wilcox and alberta penstemons, and sticky cinquefoil. In particularly hot locations (like the valley bottom) I recommend planting in a spot with at least some protection from direct afternoon sun.