wetland shrub
Shrub Yellowroot
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
1 of 3Native to the Southeast
Pennsylvania and central West Virginia, south to Florida and Louisiana; naturalized elsewhere
- Light Full shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones 6–9 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–Apr Flowering time
- Height up to 30 in to 76 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland shrub for full shade. Its purple flowers peak in April. At up to 30 in, it suits rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Shrub Yellowroot's purple flowers bloom March to April, peaking in April. It's a spring display.
Shrub Yellowroot blooms purpleFoliage
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The SoutheastUnited States (11): AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Pennsylvania and central West Virginia, south to Florida and Louisiana; naturalized elsewhereThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6–9The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Sands, gravels or siltsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to heavy (sandy to clay)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- AcidicThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 30 in (to 76 cm)Typical mature height.
- Spread
- ~10 ft (3 m)How wide one plant gets, a guide to spacing.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
- Growth rate
- RapidA relative ranking versus other plants of the same type (USDA), not an absolute rate.
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- ShrubWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–AprWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Apr–SepThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.