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Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Also Known As

Yellow Root
Yellowroot

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 1'-4'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

6b-8b

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Xanthorhiza simplicissima plant details

Xanthorhiza simplicissima is a broadleaf deciduous perennial shrub with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge followed by yellow fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Xanthorhiza simplicissima

USDA Zones: 6b - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Nice, low-care groundcover/small shrub (to 2') slowly makes dense mass of deeply toothed, compound leaves, bronzy in fall; delicate purplish flowers. PSh-Sh/M

By: Forestfarm

The only woody member of my favorite family, Ranunculaceae, is an under story shrub with small but interesting yellowish brown flowers. Fantastic divided foliage is reminiscent of Cimicifuga. 18"-36" in height, but wait until Autumn, the fall foliage is quite spectacular with variable hues of purple.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Xanthorhiza simplicissimaA monotypic member of the Ranunculaceae, Yellow Root is native to eastern American woodlands, it is a suckering creeping knee high woody thing with pendant panicles of brownish purple flowers. Dirr speaks highly of it and it is a wonderful groundcover for wet woods. The roots make a nice yellow dyen.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

A common Virginia/East Coast Native sub-shrub that grows in thickets along shady stream sides. The only woody member of the Ranunculus (Buttercups) family! Astounding purple autumn color. In nature 12-24" tall but in a sunnier spot in your garden & well cared for, it will reach 36-48" tall. Stoloniferous. This plant is slow growing as a youngster!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Woody member of the Ranunculaceae (Clematis, Anemones) form the East Coast woodlands. Known as Yellow Root, this spreads by underground rhizomes to make a suckering colony of stems which are topped by small purple flowers like a puff of smoke. Good fall color.