bowman’s root

Gillenia 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 G. trifoliatus (formerly Porteranthus 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 Gillenia 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 Porteranthus trifoliata.
Location in Lurie Garden East Dark Plate, Southwest Dark Plate, Extrusion Plaza

Average Flowering Time