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Shrub Yellowroot - Xanthorhiza simplicissima


Family: Ranunculaceae - Buttercup family Genus Common Name: Barberry Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Herb Subshrub
Xanthorhiza simplicissima - Shrub Yellowroot. Shrub yellowroot gets its name from the yellow interior of the roots and stem. The root contains berberine, from which it gets its yellow color, and probably is what has led to its use in traditional medicines.

Found in:
AL, CT, FL, GA, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Journal Articles Referencing Barberry

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Check here for more information about Xanthorhiza simplicissima.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Distribution of Xanthorhiza simplicissima in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: The Glen, Hamilton County, TN Date: 2009-March-22Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
1/125f/5.6 ISO200
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
90mm (135 equiv)
Pinnately compound leaves and racemes of purple to yellow-green blossoms are near the top of the unbranched stem. Each inflorescence is about 5 inches long.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Site: The Glen, Hamilton County, TN Date: 2009-March-22Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
1/125f7.1 ISO200
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm 4-5.6G ED
200mm (300 equiv)
I like the star-like shape made by the maroon sepals of the petal-less Shrub Yellowroot.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Site: The Glen, Hamilton County, TN Date: 2009-March-22Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
1/125f/4.8 ISO100
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm 4-5.6G ED
95mm (142 equiv) Flash: Yes
Shrub yellowroot grows to about 2 feet tall.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
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Xanthorhiza simplicissima initially published on USWildflowers.com 2009-04-15; Updated 2017-03-28

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