
bowman’s root
Porteranthus trifoliatus (bowman’s root) provides interest in every season.
Bowman’s root is a native plant to eastern North America from Ontario south to Georgia, east of the Mississippi River. It puts on a great display of showy, 5-petaled star-like flowers in spring-to-early summer. Flowers fade as the heat of summer comes on. As the cooler weather of fall approaches, the leaves of P. trifoliatus begin to take on spectacular yellow-golden tones set against dark red-to-brown stems. Over winter textural interest is maintained by the upright, wire-like brown stems and remnants of leaves.
Botanical Name | Porteranthus trifoliatus |
Common Name | bowman’s root |
Family | Rosaceae |
USDA Zone | 4 thru 8 |
Light Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
Season(s) of interest | spring, summer, fall, winter |
Height and Spread | 2-4ft x 1.5-3ft (60-120cm x 45-90cm) |
Flower Color | White |
Attracts Wildlife | Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
Additional Information | Native to US Midwest. Also known as Gillenia trifoliata. |
Location in Lurie Garden | East Dark Plate, Southwest Dark Plate, Extrusion Plaza |
Average Flowering Time
