The leaves turn red in the fall

Bowman’s root (Gillenia trifoliata) is a hardy perennial that is native to the eastern half of North America from Canada to Georgia. It is also known as Indian Physic and American Ipecac. Native Americans dried the root and ground it into a powder which they used as a laxative and emetic.

Bowman’s root is a member of the rose family. It is hardy in zones 4 – 8. It is an herbaceous plant that grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The leaves are tri-foliate and serrated. They turn an attractive red in the fall before dying back in the late fall. The flowers are usually white, but can also be pink. They have five narrow petals held on red stems giving them an airy effect. Bloomtime is April through June.

Bowman’s root grows best in rocky soil with a neutral pH. It is often found on rocky banks. It will grow in moist loamy garden soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. The plants will grow in partial shade to full sun. In the southern portion of its range, it needs some shade in the heat of the afternoon.

You can propagate your plants by division in either spring or early fall. I prefer to divide my perennials in the fall so that they have a chance to settle in and grow out their roots before winter. In the spring, they will start growing without the delay caused by dividing them in the spring.

Dig up your plants and gently brush off the soil. Using a sharp knife, cut the roots into pieces making sure each piece has both roots and foliage. Replant your divisions 2 to 3 feet apart.

You can also grow Bowman’s root from seed. The seed needs cold stratification, so it is best to sow them directly in your garden in the fall. Sow your seeds 1/8-deep. If you want to start your seed indoors, plant them 1/8-inch deep in moist soil, cover the container with a plastic bag and then place the whole thing in your refrigerator for 2 – 3 months to mimic the winter cold. Check the container periodically to make sure the soil is still moist. If it starts to dry out, mist it to remoisten it. After 2 – 3 months, remove the container from your refrigerator. Germination should start in 30 days.

Sow the resulting seedlings in your garden after your last frost, 2 to 3 feet apart.