Gillenia stipulata (Porteranthus stipulatus)

American Ipecac is an herbaceous perennial or subshrub in the rose family. This deciduous plant has alternately arranged and trifoliate-pinnatifid leaves, with dentate margins. In fall, leaves turn yellow to red. In early summer, delicate white star-shaped flowers with four to five petals appear. Although these flowers aren’t super striking, they have a gentle appearance that is easy on the eyes. This plant looks beautiful in borders or planted in mass. American Ipecac is more heat tolerant than its close relative Bowman’s Root, but it also appreciates the cool of afternoon shade during summer months when heat is at its highest. Once established, this plant can tolerate drought well.