Yellowroot
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Other Names: Brook-feather, Parsley-leaved Yellowroot, Scurvyroot, Shrub Yellowroot, Yellow Root, Yellow Wort
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 2.5-3′
Width at Maturity: 6-10′
Spacing: 6′ for solid hedge; 12’+ for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Mounding, Spreading
Growth Rate: Fast to Very Fast
Flower Color: Lavender-Purple
Flower Size: 1″ in terminal clusters
Flowering Period: Early through Mid Spring
Flower Type: Single, star-shape
Fragrant Flowers:
Foliage Color: Green shades, Red and/or Yellow in Fall
Fragrant Foliage:
Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (well-drained), Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Birds, Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer
Description
A North American native shrub occurring from New York and south to Florida, Xanthorhiza simplicissima, commonly called Yellowroot, might be found growing along streambanks and around other moist but well-drained woodland areas in its native habitat. It is a spreading shrub that typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and up to 8 feet wide, featuring attractive parsley or celery-like leaves up to 7 inches long, making it an excellent, lush border or groundcover plant in shady landscape or woodland settings and naturalized areas. From early to mid-spring, drooping panicles of dusty lavender-purple star-shaped flowers adorn the plant. With the arrival of cooler temperatures in fall, the foliage turns to showy yellow and/or red to reddish-purple shades. We’ve seen no major pest or disease problems, and you might be happy to know the deer tend to avoid this plant.
The common name, Yellowroot, comes from the plant’s yellow roots. The roots and stems can be used in dye making, and the stems have also been used in basket weaving.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing upright to about 2 to 3 feet tall and spreading 8 feet or more wide, Yellow Root Plant is ideal for use as a border or groundcover in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. It is perfect for adding a lush look along the moist backs of streams, creeks, and other bodies of water.
Suggested Spacing: 6 feet apart for solid borders or groundcover; 15 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
Yellow Root Plant prefers a consistently moist but well-drained soil in part shade to shade. The fall foliage color will be more showy with more sun. It will tolerate both wet and dry periods when established. Exceptionally low maintenance, it requires no pruning.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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