Yellowroot

Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marsh

Synonym: Zanthorhiza apiifolia L'Her.

Other common names: Shrub yellowroot, southern yellowroot.

Habitat and range: Yellowroot grows in woods from southwestern New York to Kentucky and Florida, chiefly in the mountains

Description: This slightly shrubby plant, 1 to 2 feet high, has compound slender-stemmed leaves 5 to 6 inches long clustered at the summit of the short stem. The leaves consist usually of five thin leaflets 1 to 3 inches long, with sharp, irregular teeth. The small, purplish-brown flowers are produced in spring, borne either singly or in clusters from terminal scaly buds. A characteristic of this plant is the bright-yellow color and bitter taste of its bark and long roots.

Part used: The roots.