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Xanthorhiza simplicissima

yellow root

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

Synonyms
Xanthorhiza apiifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Purple Bronze Green
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Purple Red Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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

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