Xanthorhiza simplicissima

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yellow root

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Synonyms

Xanthorhiza apiifolia

Shrubs
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a short, suckering shrub only 60cm tall but spreading to 1.5m or more. It has bright green, deeply lobed leaves that may turn red, yellow, orange or purple in autumn. Short, hanging sprays of star-shaped, purple-brown flowers appear in spring as the leaves are opening

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Genus
Xanthorhiza is a short, suckering shrub only 60cm tall but spreading to 1.5m or more. Its bright green, deeply lobed leaves may turn red, yellow, orange or purple in autumn. Short, hanging sprays of star-shaped purple-brown flowers appear in spring as the leaves are opening.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, or by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 3

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free