Porteranthus (Bowman's Root, Indian Physic, American Ipecac)

The genus Porteranthus contains just 2 species (Porteranthus trifoliata and Porteranthus stipulata). Both are native North American plants distributed along the East Coast in dry, open woods. Porteranthus species are sometimes called gillenia by taxonomists and until they work out their differences, you will see both names used in ornamental horticulture. Regardless of what you call it, porteranthus is a great garden plant for the Southeast US.