How much sun does Yellowroot need?

Yellowroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Yellowroot bloom?

Yellowroot blooms in March and April.

Where is Yellowroot native?

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is native to AL, FL, GA, KY and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Yellowroot attract?

Yellowroot draws bees and flies.

Yellowroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Last reviewed: October 2026

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a perennial shrub native to AL, FL, GA, KY and 10 more states. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–30" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

AL, FL, GA, KY and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Yellowroot.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Low, colony-forming shrub with fern-like compound leaves and drooping clusters of tiny star-shaped maroon flowers in early spring, spreading by underground stems along stream banks to form a dense groundcover. Bright yellow roots give the plant its name.

Growing Yellowroot

Grow Yellowroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Early spring flowers offer a modest nectar source for small bees and flies before most other plants have leafed out.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellowroot need?: Yellowroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Yellowroot bloom?: Yellowroot blooms in March and April.
Where is Yellowroot native?: Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is native to AL, FL, GA, KY and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Yellowroot attract?: Yellowroot draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Yellowroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app