Gillenia stipulata (PORTERANTHUS) - WESTERN INDIAN PHYSIC

Also know as American Ipecac, this is a fantastic plant with a delicate appearance and many advantages.

This sturdy perennial is very adaptable to light conditions, different soils and even moisture in the soil. Medium-sized white flowers with red calyxes remind one of apple flowers (belonging to Rosaceae family). The very long-lived perennial plant has a rich copper-red fall color and neat bushy habit. This species differs from its cousin, Gillenia trifoliata, as its leaves have stipules.

Excellent for smaller and medium-sized properties, or for naturalizing in wildlife gardens, pollinator garden, woodland garden, woodland edges; it can be used in a medicinal garden or even a rockery. It will look good with robust, coarse structural plants (native or non-native) – it complements the flowering times of Peony, Iris sibirica, and hardy Geraniums, but pairs well with native plants too - Penstemon smalli, Penstemon calycosus, Rudkeckia, Silene virginica, Panicum virgatum or Aster (these are also beautiful combos for autumn colors).

One of the top ten native plants for amateur and professional gardeners. The name American Ipecac references the old-time medicinal use of the powdered roots of this plant as a laxative and emetic by Native Americans.

The genus name honors Thomas Conrad Porter (1822-1901), American botanist.

Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery

Blooming Time: May-June
Size: 3’ high x 2’ wide
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Culture: Sun, half sun, half shade, light shade, dappled shade, very adaptable to soils – from average soil up to heavy clay or drier rocky soil
Moisture Needs: medium dry, medium wet
Origin: native perennial from New York to southern Michigan to Kansas south to Georgia and Texas, in nature grows in open woods, thickets, rocky slopes
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes/yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: very good pollinator plant for smaller native bees, also provides nectar for butterflies, skippers, bee-flies and thick-headed flies.
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: 3.5" x 4" perennial pot (1.22 pt/580 ml)