Etymology

The genus name comes from the Greek xanthos for yellow and rhiza for root. The species name simplicissima comes from Latin “most simple,” meaning “least divided” in reference to the unbranched stems.

Native Habitat

Forested stream banks and other moist woodland areas in portions of the eastern and southeastern United States.

Garden Uses

An adaptable groundcover with respect to soil and light. Yellowroot can help stabilize slopes and is suitable for use in dry shade.

Overview

Deciduous, suckering, spreading subshrub native to forested stream banks and other moist woodland areas in portions of the eastern and southeastern United States. An adaptable groundcover with respect to soil and light. Yellowroot can help stabilize slopes and is suitable for use in dry shade. The deep yellow roots were used by Native Americans to make dye and the root was chewed for a numbing effect and made into a tea for other medicinal qualities. This species contains berberine, which is an anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant and immunostimulant.

Leaves and Stems

The stems are erect, unbranched, and somewhat leggy in appearance, reaching between 0.5-2.5' tall and topped with a cluster of leaves. The compound leaves are spirally arranged and can reach up to 7" long and have five, toothed leaflets, making them somewhat similar to celery leaves in appearance. Bronzy-yellow fall color can be quite showy.

Flowers

A drooping, branched panicle of small, dark star-shaped purple-maroon flowers appear in April or May from the bases of the leaf clusters and are considered horticulturally insignificant.

Fruit/Seed

The fruit is a star shaped cluster of follicles that is initially green and fleshy, subsequently drying, turning brown and splitting open when ripe.

Animal Associates

Deer tend to avoid Yellowroot. Berries are persistent and are a winter food source for songbirds and small mammals.

Ethnobotanical Uses

The deep yellow roots were used by Native Americans to make dye and the root was chewed for a numbing effect and made into a tea for other medicinal qualities. This species contains berberine, which is an anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant and immunostimulant.

Garden Location

Library Garden (see garden map)

Plant Profile by Kathy Kling