Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

See this mass planted in Chicago's Millenium Park.

Porteranthus or Gillenia?
Apparently both names are equally correct, or incorrect depending on who you ask. This species was named Gillenia by German botanist Conrad Moench. Somewhere along the way a Professor Britton claimed Gillenia was too close to the existing shrub called Gillena and he renamed it Porteranthus in honor of his friend Prof. Thomas C. Porter. But it turns out that the plant that was Gillena was actually already named Clethra and so the name Gillenia should be used, according to the rule that older names are more correct. However, another rule states that since Gillenia was once designated a synonym it must remain so, thus making Porteranthus correct. In current usage both are seen, but Porteranthus is more often found in botanical references.

The two species of Indian-physic have a rich tradition as medicinals, but they have been inexplicably neglected as garden plants. This is unfortunate as they are outstanding ornamentals for a wide variety of garden situations. Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by Bill Cullina.

Porteranthus trifoliatus was used by Native Americans as a powerful emetic for a yearly cleansing, thus giving it the common names Indian Physic and American Ipecac. It is likely that Bowman's Root also refers to this practice since early English settlers often called the Native Americans "Bowmen".

Gillenia trifioliata can be found in rich woods in the mountains and piedmonts from Massachussetts to Georgia. See a distribution map at USDA Plants

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Bowman's Root thrives best in moist, acid to neutral, humus rich soil, but is quite drought tolerant once established. It prefers shade in the hottest part of the day. Use as backround plant in perennial beds or in mass plantings to give full airy effect.