American Ipecac is a native herbaceous perennial in the rose family. It is found naturally in dry forests growing over acidic to circumneutral soils derived from rocks such as diabase or greenstone. It spreads by rhizomes.

American Ipecac will grow in well-drained clay-loam to rocky soils in full sun to partial shade. In hot summer areas, it will appreciate some afternoon shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant.

The star-shaped white flowers are rarely pink-tinged and appear above the foliage May-June. The fall color is yellow to red. In NC it is rare in the Piedmont and considered threatened. This is an appropriate plant for the home garden.

Use in the pollinator/ native garden border, edge of a woodland area or in a rock garden.

Host plant for various moth species.