Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Xanthorhiza simplicissima, known as yellow root, is a spreading shrub with purple flowers and elegant, deeply lobed leaves.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima, commonly known as yellow root, is a low-growing, very cold hardy spreading shrub with upright stems covered in elegant, compound, deeply lobed bright green leaves up to seven inches long that provide a beautiful texture in the garden. Sprays of small, plum-coloured, star-shaped flowers with yellow centres emerge in spring. Their display is subtle from afar but pretty close up. The foliage turns to beautiful fall colours of reds, yellows, oranges, and purples. Crushing the roots and stems produces a yellow dye, thus the common name. Plants will reach 6-30 inches tall and spread slowly via suckers into dense colonies 6 to 10 feet wide. Appreciates acidic to neutral, moist but well-drained soils. Use in naturalistic plantings such as cottage or woodland gardens, to stabilize banks and slopes, along ponds and streams, and as a shrubby ground cover. Excellent resistance to pests and diseases. Deer resistant.
Common Name: Yellow Root
Family: Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone Hardiness: 3-9
Light: Part Shade, Part Sun, Full Shade
Height: 2-4'
Width: 8-10'
Primary Bloom Colour: Purple
Secondary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Foliage Colour: Good Fall Colour, Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Shrub
Bloom Time: Spring
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry, Moist
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits:
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Forested stream banks and other moist woodland areas of eastern North America
Award:
Geographical Origin:
