Yellowroot

Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Size: 1 Gallon Availability

Flower
Max size: 3′ tall x spreading

Very Moist, Usually Moist
Humus, Sand, Silt
Part Shade, Shade

AKA: Brook-feather, Scurvyroot, Yellow wort

Yellowroot is a deciduous flower, and has a showy bronze and yellow fall color. Because of how easily it suckers from its roots, it can fill in and makes a great tall groundcover. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate dry soils once it’s established.

The roots and stems can be crushed to make a yellow dye, paint, et cetera. They create a deep golden hue on fabrics and basket-weaving materials; an 18th century source states that yellowroot dye holds up better to heat and sunlight than turmeric and saffron. Native American medicinal uses include numerous methods utilizing different parts of the plant; it could be used to treat cramps, sore throat, sore mouth, jaundice, and various stomach ailments. (1) (2)

It is critically imperilied (i.e. endangered) in Florida.