Gillenia trifoliata (Porteranthus trifoliata)

Bowman's Root (Gillenia trifoliata) bears masses of delicate, star-shaped, white flowers with long, spidery petals on reddish stems, contrasted nicely with sharply toothed green leaves. An upright, somewhat bushy and compact, clumping perennial, the flowers form an airy web above the foliage, bringing delightful movement to the garden. In autumn, the flowers develop into attractive seed-heads, which are complemented by fiery orange-red leaves. Blooms June, July, and August.

Indian Physic refers moist soil, and partial shade. Use Bowman's Root in areas of dappled shade such as woodland edges, native plant gardens, as a specimen in the garden, and in patio containers. Drought tolerant once established.

A member of the Rosaceae family, it is native to Ontario, and attracts bees and butterflies. It is a pollinator host plant. Traditionally, Gillenia trifoliata was used medicinally as an efficient emetic, expectorant and tonic, among many other applications. It is also known as Porteranthus trifoliata.