Gillenia trifoliata – Bowman’s Root

Gillenia trifoliata (Ga-lane-ia try-fol-e-ata)
Indian-physic/ Bowman’s Root

Gillenia trifoliata is a beautiful fall interest plant native to the Northen United States and Canada. Although Bowman’s Root tolerates shade, a thick tree canopy will induce flopping as the plant will become leggy. Too much shade will also result in poor fall color, which is one of its distinguishing characteristics.

A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, Bowman’s Root will form clumps that can be divided in autumn or spring. The outstanding red wine colored fall foliage is preceded by slender red stems and five-petaled star-like flowers that after dropping their petals, retain the red calyces. Gillenia trifoliata is a superb choice if one is in need of added height in their shade garden. Far from a one trick pony, Bowman’s Root not only provides benefit to the ecosystem, it has multiple seasons of ornamental appeal.

Gillenia trifoliata. Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid Photo Credit – A. Barra

**Also known as Porteranthus trifoliata

Origin:
Gillenia – In honor of Arnold Gillenius (1627), a German botanist and physician.
trifoliata – Derived from the Latin tri, meaning three, and folius, meaning leaf, referring to the three leaflets of the Gillenia leaf.

Family – Rosaceae
Nativity – North America to Canada
Hardiness – USDA Zones 4-8

Gillenia trifoliata – American medical botany :. Boston:Cummings and Hilliard,1817-1820

Description:
Form – Clump forming rhizomatous perennial reaching heights between 3′-4′. Somewhat bushy, spreading 3′ wide.
Foliage – Three sharply serrated, elliptical leaflets comprise the leaves, which are sessile and alternate. Venation is impressed and the foliage turns a russet color in autumn.
Flower – Masses of white, delicate, 5 petaled, star-like flowers appear in May and persist until July. The white petals emerge from a red calyx, which remains after the petals have fallen. Flowers can be seen above the foliage on wiry red-colored stems. 

Culture:
Light – Part shade
Soil – Average to moist soils, however, can be drought tolerant once established.
Propagation – Seed or division.
Problems – None serious

Utilization – Shady borders and woodland gardens. Great choice for added height in a shade garden.
Comments – Too much shade and moisture will result in plants that need staking. Could be slow to establish.

♥ Find Bowman’s Root at my favorite native plant nursery, NorthCreek Nurseries.

• www.rhs.org.uk
• www.gardenia.net
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillenia_trifoliata