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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H6Botanical 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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