Xanthorhiza simplicissima is a unique eastern U.S. native shrub known for its delicate ferny foliage and unusual chocolate purple spring flowers. It forms low suckering colonies that work well as a woodland ground layer or erosion control plant.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, humus rich soils; tolerates clay and seasonal wetness
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from regular moisture
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant
Native Status
This plant is native to the eastern United States, especially in moist woodland and riparian areas from Pennsylvania to the southeastern states.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Serves as a nectar source for early flying butterflies such as Spring Azure and Mourning Cloak.
Birds
- Provides nesting cover for ground foraging birds like thrushes and towhees; fall foliage also supports habitat complexity for woodland songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 5 ft apart to allow for natural colony expansion and massing in woodland settings.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shady slopes, woodland gardens, rain gardens, or the edges of streams where soil remains moist. Effective in naturalized groupings or as a native alternative to invasive ground spreading shrubs.
Companion Plants
- Aruncus dioicus (Goats Beard) - Provides tall, plume like flowers above the fine texture of Xanthorhiza.
- Carex plantaginea (Seersucker Sedge) - Adds evergreen texture at ground level in rich woodland soils.
- Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells) - Complements Xanthorhiza's spring bloom with pastel blue flowers.
- Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) - A native medicinal herb that thrives in similar moist shade conditions.
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomons Seal) - Arching stems and white bell shaped blooms echo the plant’s refined woodland character.