All flowers
American Ipecac Wikimedia Commons
Rosaceae

American Ipecac

Porteranthus stipulatus

Purification.

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Porteranthus
Native to
Eastern United States, Appalachian Region
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full sun
Soil
Well-drained, acidic, woodland soil
Water
moderate
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • American Ipecac is not related to true Ipecac from South America despite sharing the common name.
  • Its delicate star-shaped white flowers float above the foliage on wiry stems, creating an airy effect.
  • Native Americans used root preparations as an emetic, which is how it got the name 'ipecac.'
  • The plant has distinctive large leaf-like stipules at the base of each leaf, hence the species name 'stipulatus.'
  • American Ipecac is increasingly popular in native plant gardens as a replacement for non-native Astilbe.

Color meanings

0

cleansing

1

renewal

Uses

  • woodland gardens
  • native plant landscapes
  • shade gardens