Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marshall

Wild Habitat

In the wild, Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marshall (yellowroot) grows on stream edges in sandy soil under dappled sunlight.

Cultivation Light Requirement

In cultivation, it is often grown with more sunlight to produce more vivid fall colors.

Growth Form and Height

It is a subshrub, reaching 20–70 centimetres (8–28 in) in height, and rarely up to 90 centimetres (35 in).

Stem Diameter

Its stems grow up to 6 millimetres (0.24 in) in diameter.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are arranged spirally, are 10–18 centimetres (4–7 in) long, and each leaf is divided into 5 toothed leaflets.

Flower Placement

Flowers only grow from the upper portion of the plant's unbranched stem.

Flower Structure and Appearance

Flowers are borne in broad panicles 6–20 centimetres (2–8 in) long; each individual flower is small, star-shaped, and reddish brown to purple brown, with five petals.

Reproduction Methods

Yellowroot propagates asexually by sending out many underground runners, and reproduces sexually via seeds.

Conservation Status in Florida

It is classified as an endangered species in Florida.

Cultivation Rarity in British Gardens

Yellowroot is comparatively rare in British gardens, though distinguished plantsmen E.H. Wilson and E.A. Bowles have promoted its cultivation.

Bowles' Cultivation Location

Bowles grew it in his garden at Myddelton House, near Enfield, Middlesex.

Current UK Cultivation Sites

Current gardens that cultivate yellowroot include Savill Garden at Windsor, Berkshire and Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Wilson's Cultivation Notes

Wilson, who considered yellowroot one of the best plants for hardy deciduous ground cover, described its use at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University in Massachusetts in 1923.

Hardiness Zones

It is hardy in USDA winter hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Native American Medicinal Uses

Native American cultures used tea made from its root to treat stomach ulcers, colds, jaundice, sore mouth, and sore throat, and used it as an astringent.

Southern US Folk Remedy Uses

It has also been used as a folk remedy for diabetes and hypertension in the southern United States.

Berberine Content and Properties

This species contains berberine, a compound with anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, and immunostimulant properties.

Berberine Physiological Effects

Berberine also stimulates secretion of bile and bilirubin, and may be useful for correcting high tyramine levels in people with liver cirrhosis.