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Muller, Thomas L.
Gillenia trifoliata (L.) Moench
Bowman's root, Indian physic
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonyms: Porteranthus trifoliatus
USDA Symbol: gitr6
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
This loose, informal, slender perennial, grows 2-3 ft. tall from a woody rootstock. One or more stems arise from each crown. Leaf blades are divided into three, narrow, toothed lobes. An erect plant bearing white or pinkish flowers with narrow petals and almost stalkless, 3-parted leaves. The whitish flowers have five narrow petals and are borne in loose panicles. Attractive red calyxes persist after the petals fall. The most widely distributed tree in North America.
The five petals of this plant project somewhat irregularly. The dried and powdered root was used by Native Americans as a laxative and emetic, hence the common names. A southern and western relative, American Ipecac (P. stipulatus), found from Kansas, Michigan, and New York south to Georgia and Texas, has large, sharply toothed or jagged stipules. These plants were formerly included in the genus Gillenia.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Size Notes: 1 to 4 feet tall
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flower 1 inch
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft. , 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Blooms usually white, but occasionally pale pink.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , GA , IL , KY , MA , MD , MI , MO , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , WVCanada: ON
Native Distribution: S. Ont. to DE & GA, w. to KY, AR & LA
Native Habitat: Dry to moist, upland woods & rocky banks, mostly in the mountains.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low , MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained, rich, rocky, acid soil. Tolerates lime.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Standout white flowers for shadeUse Medicinal: The dried and powdered root was used by Native Americans as a laxative and emetic.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsDescription: Propagate by seed planted in early spring or by division.
Seed Collection: Ripens in early fall.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Gillenia trifoliata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gillenia trifoliata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gillenia trifoliata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-03Research By: TWC Staff
