American ipecac (Gillenia stipulata) is an herbaceous perennial that blooms in spring with white or light pink flowers. Each showy, star-shaped blossom has five petals. They grow wild across the eastern and central United States and are also regularly planted in garden borders by those who wish to attract butterflies and songbirds.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Gillenia stipulata, or American ipecac, is an herbacious perennial plant in the genus Gillenia, in the family Rosaceae, native to the United States from Texas to the west and south, New York to the North, and North Carolina to the east. The species grows in dry uplands and open woods, usually on acidic soils.
American ipecac is a rhizomatous woodland perennial or sub-shrub of the rose family that typically grows to 2-3’ tall.
This plant features 1” wide, white (infrequently tinged pink) star-like flowers, each with 5 narrow, pointed, slightly reflexed petals. Flowers bloom in early summer on wiry stems rising above a foliage mound consisting of deeply cut, toothed, trifoliate, medium green leaves. Each trifoliate leaf has three linear-lanceolate leaflets (to 3.5” long), with the center leaflet being slightly larger than the lateral leaflets. Each leaf has two unusually large stipules (leaf-like bracts) at the leaf base which give the impression of each leaf having five rather than three leaflets. Leaves turn bronze-red in autumn.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Spurges naturally grow in places that have plenty of sunlight, but some species can tolerate partial shade. Full sun provides the best environment for spurges. If they are grown indoors, spurges need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for proper development.
Temperature
Genus Euphorbia is very large and diverse, so its different species can be found in various habitats, but the majority are well-adapted to a temperature range of -29 to 4 ℃. Many spurges, in spite of having succulent leaves, cannot handle long periods without moisture and need to be watered weekly during hot summer days. Some cactus-like species are well adapted to high temperatures and prolonged dry periods, but most species used for landscaping and decorative gardening require more moisture for proper development.
Watering
American ipecac needs regular watering about once a week, especially during growing seasons. The plants don’t need great amounts of water during temperate environmental conditions, but during hot summer days they need as much water as any other plant. American ipecac needs to be watered when the planting medium is dry for 5 cm at the surface. Those grown in indoor environments also need a sufficient amount of moisture during the resting season. To avoid excess moisture in the medium, it is best if small amounts of water are added from below.
Soil
Spurges aren’t picky when it comes to soil type. They can grow in a variety of soils. Some species of Euphorbia can even thrive in nutrient-poor soils, requiring only that the soil be well drained. If the soil is full of moisture and is prone to water retention, it will most likely cause root rot.
Fertilizing
American ipecac doesn’t require large amounts of fertilizer for normal growth and development. In fact, very little fertilizer is required. As mentioned earlier, some species can thrive even in very poor soils, as long as those soils are well drained. Fertilizer should only be applied when the plants start showing nutrient deficiency symptoms on lower leaves. When the lower leaves turn yellow, it is time to add half-strength liquid fertilizer to the soil. That will keep the plant well fed for several months.
Planting Instructions
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball before planting. Then, turn the container with american ipecac upside down and let the plant slowly fall into your hands. Place the plant upright in the hole and slowly fill in around the roots with loose and fertile potting mixture, adjusting the planting depth until it is just right. Water it once. Do not overwater, as standing water is not good for the plant.
Pruning
A medicinal herb notable for its clusters of tiny flowers, american ipecac benefits from pruning to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Key techniques include snipping off spent flowers and removing weak or dead stems. Optimal pruning occurs in late winter or early spring to boost the new season’s growth. Pruning also facilitates air circulation, reducing disease risk. This enhances american ipecac’s resilience and maintains its compact form, a crucial aspect of its care.
Propagation
American ipecac can be successfully grown from seeds, but the seeds are rarely commercially available because they are difficult to germinate and stay viable only for a short period of time. American ipecac is most commonly propagated via cuttings.
It is important to wear gloves while working with american ipecac cuttings and to clean the pruning shears thoroughly after pruning, so that any unwanted contact with the sap is avoided. Before planting, it is necessary to leave the cuttings to dry for 2-3 days. This will prevent rot from developing and enable proper formation of the callus tissue. It is advised to plant the cuttings in a soilless medium, such as peat moss, because it provides an optimal environment for proper root development.
Cuttings should be misted regularly, and the pots in which they are planted need to be wrapped in either foil or a plastic bag to preserve moisture. The bag or foil needs to be removed for two hours each day to provide sufficient air and to prevent excess moisture in the medium. If this step is skipped, molds and rots can easily develop and damage the health of the young, sensitive cuttings. When the cuttings develop a root system, they are ready to be transplanted into soil.
