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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Gillenia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to 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). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Porteranthus stipulatus. (Muhl. ex Willd.)Britt.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The dried powdered root bark is cathartic, slightly diaphoretic, a mild and efficient emetic, expectorant and tonic[4, 61, 213, 238]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, asthma and other bronchial complaints[238, 257]. The roots have been used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[257]. A cold infusion of the roots has been given, or the root chewed, in the treatment of bee and other stings[257]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, the bark is removed and dried for later use[213, 238]. A tea made from the whole plant is strongly laxative and emetic[222]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, indigestion, asthma and hepatitis[222]. A poultice or wash is used in the treatment of rheumatism, bee stings and swellings[222]. A decoction or strong infusion of the whole plant has been taken a pint at a time as an emetic[257]. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat leg swellings[257]. The plant has been used in the treatment of toothaches[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade[4, 200]. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[200]. 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[238].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Indiana (south), Michigan (southeast), New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas (southeast), Missouri, Oklahoma (east), Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Gillenia stipulata	American Ipecacuanna, American ipecac	Perennial	1.2	4-8		LMH	S	M	0	3
Gillenia trifoliata	Indian Physic, Bowman's root	Perennial	1.2	4-9	M	LMH	SN	M	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Gillenia - (Muhl. ex Willd.)Baill.