Uncommon Perennials: Bowman's Root for Shade, Silver Thistle for Sun

Adventurous gardeners seek out lesser-known perennials that bring unique interest. This series pairs one shade-tolerant and one sun-loving plant per article—both worth the search.

Shade Star: Bowman's Root (Gillenia trifoliata)

Also called Indian Physic or American Ipecac (syn. Porteranthus trifoliatus), this U.S. native thrives in bright shade or part sun. Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, it forms a 2–3 ft mound topped with lacy white flowers on mahogany stems with red petioles from late spring to late summer. Excellent for massing under trees with organic mulch. Native from Massachusetts to Georgia, west to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, and Ontario. Hardy zones 4–8. Prefers moist, acidic to neutral, rich soil. Self-sows gently, filling gaps. Easy from seed.

Sun Lover: Silver Thistle (Carlina acaulis)

European native (stemless carline thistle) for poor, dry, sunny sites—especially limestone slopes. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. The 3–4 inch silvery-white flowers sit directly on a basal rosette (hence "stemless"), blooming June–September. They close in wet weather, earning "barometer plant" nickname. Flowers, roots, stems are edible; traditional uses include carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, etc. (Consult a professional before medicinal use.) Hardy to zone 4. Biennial/short-lived perennial (2–3 years). Resents root disturbance—plant permanently. Self-fertile, bee-pollinated. Seeds ripen July–August. Prized for dried arrangements. Grow from seed in cold frame, transplant when soil warms.

Editor's Note: Originally published July 14, 2010. Comments welcome; author may not respond.