Species yellowroot
olive-burgundy flower with yellow center

yellowroot

Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. It is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet tall, producing small, showy yellow blooms. Its dried roots are used medicinally, as the bark is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. The plant prefers moist, shaded areas with moderately acidic soil, and makes an attractive addition to woodland gardens. It is primarily found in eastern North America, from southern New England down to the Gulf Coast states. It is a low-maintenance plant with few pests or diseases, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for a unique addition to their landscape!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Dark purple-maroon Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering yellowroot is a fairly simple task. It only requires moistening the soil around the plants, rather than drenching or submerging them. Water 2 to 3 times a week in spring and summer and once a week in fall and winter. Make sure the soil is consistently damp but never soggy. You may want to extend the period between waterings during periods of cooler temperatures and rainy weather.

sunlight

Yellowroot, also known as Xanthorhiza simplicissima, is a plant species that prefers full sun to partial shade when it comes to sunlight requirements. While it will tolerate partial shade, yellowroot grows best in soils that receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is especially important for yellowroot to receive sunlight of at least moderate intensity, as too much shade can prevent the plant from producing enough energy to support its growth. Yellowroot can be especially sensitive to direct sunlight during the mid-day hours and should have some shade provided during this time of the day. Additionally, yellowroot should be placed in an area that receives good air circulation; this will help to prevent any potential wilting during hot summer days.

pruning

When it comes to pruning yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima), it is best to wait until late winter. Pruning should be minimized -- only pieces that are dead, broken, or diseased should be removed. If the plant has become overgrown, you can thin out some of the foliage, however avoid cutting the stems back too far. Cut back any died back foliage just above a pair of healthy buds or branches. If necessary, you can also reduce the overall size of the plant by cutting back the longest stems. Take care not to cut too much, and remember to check for bugs or eggs in the stem crotches before discarding the removed material. Proper pruning will ensure that the plant stays healthy and bushy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Yellowroot typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map