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Gillenia trifoliata - (L.)Moench.

Common Name Indian Physic, Bowman's root
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Rocky open woods[187]. Rich woods[43].
Range Eastern N. America - Ontario and New York, east to Michigan and south to Georgia and Missouri.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Gillenia trifoliata Indian Physic, Bowman


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Meneerke_bloem
Gillenia trifoliata Indian Physic, Bowman
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cillas

 

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Summary

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


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Porteranthus trifoliatus. (L.)Britt.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

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.
Cathartic  Diaphoretic  Emetic  Expectorant  Odontalgic  Stings  Tonic

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

Landscape Uses:Border, Rock garden, Specimen, Woodland garden. Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade[4, 200]. Succeeds in any well-drained soil[188]. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day[200]. A very ornamental plant, but it can be difficult to establish due to slug damage[187]. The stems usually require support[188]. Special Features:North American native, Naturalizing.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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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: Canada (Ontario (southeast)), United States (Massachusetts, Michigan (Kalamazoo Co.), New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Missouri (Lawrence Co.), Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina (west), South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Gillenia stipulataAmerican Ipecacuanna, American ipecacPerennial1.2 4-8  LMHSM03 

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Moench.

Botanical References

43200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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