Gillenia trifoliata AGM

Bowman's Root Rosaceae

A refined North American woodland perennial that deserves rather more attention than it usually receives. Gillenia trifoliata forms a handsome, bushy clump of dark green, three-lobed leaves, above which wiry reddish stems carry airy sprays of delicate, five-petalled white flowers, often flushed pink and backed by contrasting wine-red calyces. Excellent autumn colour. The effect is light and almost shrub-like, despite the plant dying back completely in winter. Native from southeastern Canada through the northeastern and central-eastern United States, it occurs in woodland, rocky banks and other well-drained but moisture-retentive habitats. 

Its common name, Bowman’s Root, reflects its ethnobotanical history: the root was traditionally employed by Indigenous peoples of eastern North America medicinally, particularly as a strong purgative and emetic. It was subsequently adopted into early European-American herbal medicine as “Indian physic”. This is a medicinal history rather than an invitation to experiment—the roots are pharmacologically active and should not be consumed casually.

A superb plant for a cool, fertile woodland edge, particularly where its fine flowering stems can mingle with ferns and other shade perennials.

Height: 90–120 cm
Spread: 60–90 cm
Flowering: June–July
Hardiness: H7, below –20°C
Growing conditions: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil; partial shade preferred. Can tolerate more sun if the soil remains reliably moist