Description
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. 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.
