yellow root
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall6 to 10 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk, silt
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Yellow root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a shrub for borders, ground cover, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to wet soil of most types. It spreads freely by suckers, so give it room. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Its glossy leaves turn yellow to reddish-purple in fall.
Pairs well with Sweet pepperbush, Red twig dogwood, Rosebay rhododendron, and American mountain mint.
Native range
AL, CT, FL, GA, and 15 more places. See all 19
AL, CT, FL, GA, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.