Yellow Root

This often overlooked US native shrub is a perfect addition to the woodland garden or used to soften more formal plantings in the shrub b...Read Moreorder. Once established it slowly spreads by root suckers. I have seen some old specimens in the wild that attain a gnarly irregular habit and that may be useful to up the wild effect in your garden. I think it's greatest potential is as a medium height groundcover. Clip the plant to about 6" in Spring to create a more uniform blanket effect. They tend to have few or no branches, except on larger older plants, but even branched specimens seem to favor the central stem over side shoots. It seems to take root competition in stride and I have one under a maple making this a good native substitute (or addition to) the ubiquitous Vinca, Ivy, and Winter Creeper which one normally sees in such situations. It also has fairly good fall color, usually pale yellow, but sometimes splashed with other hues. The dissected leaves also add nice contrast to large or more rounded leaf forms. It also does very well on steep banks and may be useful in helping to prevent erosion. I suspect that it is hardier than zone 6, since it has a habit too come up from the root. I have never experienced Winter damage whatsoever. I imagine that there is probably a northern frontier of its habitable growing areas where it would act as a shrubby perennial. While this plant is more of a supporting actor on the garden stage, it is unique, interesting, and a tough workhorse. It will be a valued member of your garden if you give it a try. I'm also a sucker of monotypical genera. If a variegated sport ever arises, please let me know. That could be amazing,

Relatively easy to grow. Succeeds in either sandy or rich well-drained garden soils.

Succeeds in anywhere from full sha...Read Morede to at least partly sunny positions.

Not very particular to soil moisture, although seems to do best when soil isn't allowed to become too dry.

Can be found growing on the banks of sandy, shaded creek bottoms. Stem cuttings from wild plants are easily propagated when inserted into garden soil with a touch of rooting compound. Even if they appear dead, they will often eventually sprout new foliage in 30-60 days with patience and minimal care.

Called 'yellow root' due to its berberine content, which is historically of medicinal value, and also found in the roots of Mahonia, Hydrastis, Berberis, etc.

This plant is listed as poisonous. However, the root is mentioned by many sources as a useful herb especially for digestive issues. It ...Read Morehas been recommended to me by two herbalists to treat an H. Pylori infection and a web search will confirm several studies suggesting that is is safe and effective.

A new discovery for me and I looove the airy maroonish blooms. They are so pretty and airy.