5903 Swepsonville Saxapahaw Rd.

Saxapahaw, NC

Flower of Carolina

  • Product Info

    American Ipecac (Gillenia stipulata)
    Rose Family

    American Ipecac is a deciduous perennial native to woodlands and rocky slopes of the central and southeastern U.S. It is closely related to Gillenia trifoliata but is more tolerant of drier, calcareous soils. In late spring to early summer, it produces airy clusters of star-like white flowers with narrow, irregular petals and striking red calyces, held above finely divided, tooth-edged foliage.This plant offers an airy, delicate texture in the garden and is especially attractive when planted in groups. While the flowers are subtle, they add movement and contrast when mixed with bolder-leaved or more colorful companions. In fall, the foliage often turns attractive shades of yellow. It prefers part sun to light shade in average soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and makes a good addition to woodland edges. Good companion plants include Hairy Alumroot, Small's Penstemon, Northern Sundrops, sedges, Christmas Fern, Woodland Phlox, Wild Strawberry, and Dwarf-crested Iris.

    • Blooms: Blooms:White with red, 3-4 weeks, May-June
    • Leaves:Deeply dissected, strongly toothed with red stems, red, and orange fall color
    • Height: 1-3’
    • Space:2-2'
    • Soil:Average-Dry
    • Exposure:Part Sun-Part Shade
    • Fauna:Mostly bees, some butterflies
    • Seeds:½”, slightly beaked, contains few seeds
    • Deer Resistance:High
    • Zone:4-8
    • Native Status: NC native, rare in the Piedmont
    • Provenance:Unknown,seed grown