Bowman's Root

Gillenia trifoliata

Native to:
Canada, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Gillenia
Species:
Gillenia trifoliata
USDA Symbol:
GITR6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
red, orange

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers woodland or forest edge habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and may germinate erratically. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification for 30 days before germination.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society