Practical
Plants

Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Yellowroot

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
1 m
Spread
3 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The root, when taken in high doses, is potentially toxic[9].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The root is astringent and a blood tonic[9]. A tea made from the roots is used to treat mouth ulcers[8], stomach ulcers, colds, jaundice etc[9][10]. An infusion of the roots has also been used to treat piles, though the report does not specify if it is used internally or externally[10]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity. The root contains the alkaloid 'berberine' which is used for its tonic properties and for digestive disorders[8]. Berberine is anti-inflammatory, astringent, haemostatic, antispasmodic, immuno-stimulant, uterine tonic and antimicrobial[9]. It stimulates the secretion of bile and bilirubin and may be helpful in correcting high tyramine levels in people with liver cirrhosis[9].

Product or use
Antihaemorrhoidal
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the root[12][14]. The entire plant can be crushed to yield a yellow dye[10]. A good ground cover for damp semi-shaded positions[2][6]. Plants should be spaced about 1.2 metres apart each way[7].

Product or use
Dye

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
Eastern N. America - New York to West Virginia and south to Florida and Alabama.
Habitat
Damp woods, thickets and the banks of streams[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[6]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the autumn or late winter[2].

Cultivation

Requires a moist acid soil in sun or part shade[4]. Prefers shade or semi-shade[5]. Succeeds in any moist fertile soil according to other reports[1][3][6]. Hardy to about -20°c[4]. Plants can spread considerably by means of suckers[3], especially when they are growing in a light soil[7]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[13].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  8. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩1↩2

  9. Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  10. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  11. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩

  12. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  13. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  14. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

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