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Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marshall
Yellowroot, Shrub Yellowroot
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: XASI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A mat-like, spreading shrub with erect, leggy stems to 30 inches The bark and long roots are deep-yellow and bitter. Attractive foliage is once- or twice-pinnate, glossy and green, turning yellow to reddish-purple in fall. Many tan-colored leaves persist into winter. The small, star-shaped, purplish-brown flowers are in crowded, terminal clusters. Fruit is a dry, yellowish follicle.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Brownish purple to greenish yellow.
Distribution
USA: AL , CT , FL , GA , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MS , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WVNative Distribution: PA & c. WV, s. to FL & LA; naturalized elsewhere
Native Habitat: Damp woods; wet depressions; stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Sands, gravels or silts.
Conditions Comments: Makes a desirable ground cover for moist sites. Brittle stems may suffer with heavy ice glaze. Freely suckers from the roots.
Propagation
Description: The most effective propagation method is division of parent plant. Root cuttings and June shoot cuttings will also work.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Georgia Native Plant Society - Atlanta, GA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Xanthorhiza simplicissima in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Xanthorhiza simplicissima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-04Research By: TWC Staff