Indian Physic, Bowman's root
Gillenia trifoliata

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Rounded.

Gillenia trifoliata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Rocky open woods. Rich woods.

Eastern N. America - Ontario and New York, east to Michigan and south to Georgia and Missouri.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

The dried powdered root bark is cathartic, slightly diaphoretic, a mild and efficient emetic, expectorant and tonic. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, asthma and other bronchial complaints. The roots have been used externally in the treatment of rheumatism. A cold infusion of the roots has been given, or the root chewed, in the treatment of bee and other stings. The roots are harvested in the autumn, the bark is removed and dried for later use. A tea made from the whole plant is strongly laxative and emetic. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, indigestion, asthma and hepatitis. A poultice or wash is used in the treatment of rheumatism, bee stings and swellings. A decoction or strong infusion of the whole plant has been taken a pint at a time as an emetic. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat leg swellings. The plant has been used in the treatment of toothaches.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Rock garden, Specimen, Woodland garden. Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade. Succeeds in any well-drained soil. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day. A very ornamental plant, but it can be difficult to establish due to slug damage. The stems usually require support. Special Features:North American native, Naturalizing.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year in a lightly shaded area of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in late spring and protect from slugs until well established. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Porteranthus trifoliatus. (L.)Britt.