Gillenia trifoliata

Sizes available: HPP #1

Basics: zones 4-8, 24-36" x 18-30", part sun to part shade, delicate, star shaped flowers on reddish stems in mid to late summer, low to medium water needs and acid to neutral well-drained, but nutritive rocky soils, however, quite adaptable

Synonym: Porteranthus trifoliatus

Common names: Bowman's Root, Indian Physic, Ipecac, Mountain Indian-Physic

Family: Rosaceae

Origin/Distribution: southern Ontario south to Delaware and Georgia and west to Kentucky, Arkansas, and Louisiana

Habitat: dry to moist upland woods and rocky banks, mostly mountainous

More: There is absolutely no reason not to grow this plant. The flowers are delicate and ethereal and bring joy to pollinators and gardeners alike. The foliage turns lovely shades of red, and orange in the fall. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant. G. trifoliata is slow to mature, but a very attractive woodlander that enjoys a fertile soil and some moisture to thrive, yet isn't partial to wet feet.

Nursery: Landscape plugs from North Creek

Image credit: Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH