Description

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Yellow Root, Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennials, (sub Shrub)

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a versatile, low-maintenance native shrub ideal as a fast-spreading groundcover for shaded to partially shaded, moist landscapes. It is excellent for erosion control on slopes, stream banks, and in rain gardens. It provides year-round interest with early spring flowers, bright green summer foliage, and yellow-to-reddish-purple fall color.

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a native, shade-tolerant shrub, often used in landscaping for erosion control, and in traditional medicine for its high berberine content. It acts as a bitter, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent used to treat digestive issues, sore throats, skin infections, and as a natural yellow dye.

Folklore: The Native Americans used xanthorhiza (xantho– yellow, rhiza-root), that produced a yellow dye used for war paint. The Cherokee Indians used the root to cure indigestion and to improve appetite. They also used the herb for a variety of different things which included the treatment of cancer, whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers, and heart problems. Yellowroot is toxic in large doses. 

Other fun facts: The demand for Yellowroot is steadily increasing, it is now considered one of the most popular herbs. It’s estimated that 250,000 pounds of it is now sold each year due to the belief that the tea can help mask the presence of drugs in urine. This is completely false! 

For Shipping, Install and additional info please see “About Bare Root“.

Native bare root perennials are dug and shipped while dormant, mid October to early spring.

See all available Native Bare Root Perennials

Check the native status of this species for your area via the USDA Plants Database here

Description

Yellowroot is a native deciduous shrub of eastern North America that can be found in it native habitat from New York to West Virginia and south to Florida and Alabama.  It is not typically available commercially, but in its natural habitat is found on edges of streams or damp woods in sandy soil under a canopy of dappled sunlight. In North Carolina, it is found in the mountains and Piedmont areas. It grows 1-3 feet tall and spreads by suckers. Flowers appear in spring in drooping panicles and fall color is yellow to reds.

It will grow in well-drained moist sandy or clay loams in partial sun to shade. The best fall color occurs with some sun. Use this plant as a ground cover on banks of streams, woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

Its common name, Yellowroot, comes from the roots of the plant, which are yellow.  The roots and stems can be used in dye making.  Stems have also been used in basket weaving.

Uses (Ethnobotany):
Native Americans used the roots to make yellow dye
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Woody

Country Or Region Of Origin:
Eastern USA
Distribution:
AL , CT , FL , GA , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MS , NC , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Wildlife Value:
Provides understory habitat and food for upland game birds, songbirds, and small animals feed on the fruit.
Play Value:
Defines Paths
Textural
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Wildlife Food Source
Dimensions:
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. – 3 ft. 0 in.
Width: 6 ft. 0 in. – 10 ft. 0 in.

Light:
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture:
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Soil pH:
Acid (<6.0)
Soil Drainage:
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Available Space To Plant:
3 feet-6 feet
6-feet-12 feet
Region:
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8b, 9b, 9a

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Yellow Root, Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennials

For Shipping, Install and additional info please see “About Bare Root“.

Native bare root perennials are dug and shipped while dormant, mid October to early spring.

See all available Native Bare Root Perennials

Check the native status of this species for your area via the USDA Plants Database here