Indian Physic is a deciduous perennial native to North America and Canada, even though it was named after a German botanist, Gillenius. Heat tolerant, but usually found growing in shade or part shade. The reddish stems, bronze-green leaves, and white flowers tinged with pink make a striking display. The roots are known to be used medicinally as a mild emetic.

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This wonderful woodland edge species is a new perennial to me. It usually is called Bowman's-Root but it is also called Indian Physic, referring to some medicinal properties that the native peoples used. Its native range is of some of southeast Canada and then from New York & Massachusetts down to northern Georgia & Alabama to Arkansas and some spots in Missouri, one in southern Illinois & one in southern Michigan and some of eastern Ohio. Its airy white star-like flowers bloom in May-June. Its olive-green trifoliate leaves with leaflets to 4 inches long turn a good yellow to red-orange fall color. It is a long-lived perennial with a thick, woody crown that never needs or should be divided. It is slow to establish. It is sold by a number of native plant nurseries.

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