Xanthorhiza Simplicissima

Xanthorhiza simplicissima is the botanical name of the plant that is more commonly known as Yellowroot.  Belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, it represents the genus Xanthorhiza. The plant originates from the eastern America Maine south to northern Florida and west to Ohio and eastern Texas.

Both genera and common names were given to the plant with the reference to its yellow roots. They are derived from the Latin words xantho, which means "yellow" and rhiza that stands for "root". The species name relates to its root lacking any branches.
In the wild habitat, it can be seen on the edges of streams in sandy soils. The cultivars come in more bright colors, getting more sun. This sub shrub attains the length of 0,2-0, 9 m, bearing stems up to 6 mm across.

The leaves are distinguished by spiral arrangement, 10-18 cm long. They are formed of five leaflets with toothed margins. The 5-petals blooms typically arise from the upper part of the stem, lacking any branches. They are borne in wide panicles 6-20 cm long, having the shape of star. They come in cues of reddish brown to purple brown.

Although the plant’s root is toxic in large quantities, it was the major ingredient for a tea made by the Native Americans. They believed it could relive ulcers in the mouth and in the stomach. They also made a yellow dye from the root.

Nowadays Xanthorhiza simplicissima  is grown for the dazzling autumn color that is a deep red to purple, and is capable to last for a long period of time.

Xanthorhiza Simplicissima


By TheAlphaWolf - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2

Yellowroot

Xanthorhiza Simplicissima
By TheAlphaWolf - under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2