Gillenia stipulata - American Ipecacuanna

Family:	Rosaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:	Porteranthus stipulatus. (Muhl. ex Willd.)Britt.
Range:	Eastern N. America - New York to Indiana and Kansas, south to Georgia, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Gillenia stipulata (American Ipecacuanna) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
American Ipecacuanna will flower in November to December. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

American Ipecacuanna will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
American Ipecacuanna prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Woods, thickets and rocky slopes[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade[4, 200]. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
The dried powdered root bark is cathartic, slightly diaphoretic, a mild and efficient emetic, expectorant and tonic[4, 61, 213, 238]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, asthma and other bronchial complaints[238, 257]. The roots have been used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[257]. A cold infusion of the roots has been given, or the root chewed, in the treatment of bee and other stings[257]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, the bark is removed and dried for later use[213, 238]. A tea made from the whole plant is strongly laxative and emetic[222]. Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, indigestion, asthma and hepatitis[222]. A poultice or wash is used in the treatment of rheumatism, bee stings and swellings[222]. A decoction or strong infusion of the whole plant has been taken a pint at a time as an emetic[257]. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat leg swellings[257]. The plant has been used in the treatment of toothaches[257].

• Cathartic - A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Emetic - Induces vomiting.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Odontalgic - Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
• Stings - Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[200]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year in a lightly shaded area of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in late spring and protect from slugs until well established. Division in spring or autumn[238].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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