bowman’s root
Bowman’s root (Porteranthus trifoliatus) as a good example of a plant providing interest in each season.
Bowman’s root is a native plant to eastern North America from Ontario south to Georgia, east of the Mississippi River. Specimens can grow up to 4 ft. tall with a spread of 3 ft. Plants grow best in full-sun to partial sun.
The species 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, leaving beautiful red-colored calyces through late summer into fall. 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
