Summary
Imagine delicate wands of small white flowers floating in the late spring breeze, and you can understand the informal, ethereal quality that Bowman’s root (Gillenia trifoliata) brings to the garden. This herbaceous perennial grows 2-3’ tall with an upright spreading habit. Green foliage and stems accentuate the panicles of 1” wide, star-like blooms. Bowman’s root thrives in fertile, evenly-moist soil and grows equally well in part shade or full sun, although it prefers a little shade in the hottest part of the day. This is a wonderful plant to use in mass plantings or in the border with other natives such as Small’s beardtongue (Penstemon smallii), long-sepal beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus), narrow leaf blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Canada lily (Lilium canadense), and fire pink (Silene virginica). Formerly known as Porteranthus trifoliatus. Zones 4-8.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
partial-shade-to-full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Other Scientific Names
Porteranthus trifoliatus
- Fall Foliage Color
green, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
black, brown