How to identify Bowman's root (Gillenia trifoliata)
Bowman's root, also known as Fawn's breath
Bowman's root is characterized by its clump-forming habit, reaching heights of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). It has distinct three-lobed leaves that are finely toothed and arranged alternately on wiry, reddish stems. In late spring to early summer, bowman's root produces delicate, star-shaped, white flowers with five reflexed petals and numerous long stamens, giving it a feathery appearance. Each flower is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, borne atop tall, slender stalks that rise above the foliage.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Clump-forming habit, 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall
Three-lobed, finely toothed leaves on reddish stems
Star-shaped white flowers with reflexed petals, feathery appearance
Distinctive capsule fruits, 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) in length
Thin, reddish-brown stems with twisted appearance, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) in diameter
The leaves of bowman's root are olive-green and divided into three-pointed, slightly toothed leaflets, each ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches (3.8 to 10.2 cm) in length. They are nearly stalkless and feature a pair of small stipules at the base of each leaflet. The veins are prominent, contributing to the textured appearance. The leaves exhibit good fall color, making them visually distinctive as the seasons change.
Bowman's root flowers are characterized by five narrow, long petals that are white or have a pinkish-white hue. These petals are notably unequal in length and exhibit a slight twist. The flowers are arranged in loose corymbs atop wiry, branching red stems. Measuring approximately 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long, the flowers bloom from April to June. Once the petals drop, attractive red calyces remain, adding aesthetic interest to the plant.
The stem of bowman's root is characterized by thin, reddish-brown coloration with a somewhat twisted appearance. These slender branches often require support to maintain their upright posture. They feature a smooth texture and measure roughly 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) in diameter. The stems may appear to zigzag slightly, and the twisting is more pronounced at nodes where leaves and branches emerge.
The fruit of bowman's root is a distinctive capsule, which becomes visible from late summer through autumn. It emerges with a dry, brownish coloration and has an elongated, capsule-like form. This dehiscent capsule splits open along designated lines to release the seeds contained within. Each capsule is relatively small, measuring about 1/3 inch (0.85 cm) in length. Upon maturity, these fruits may exhibit a slightly rough texture, contributing to their unique appearance but maintaining a rather simplistic, earthy aesthetic. These capsules are crucial indicators for species identification during the fruiting season.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Bowman's root
