Common Names
Yellow root, shrub yellowroot.

Description
A perennial low shrub that grows to 1½ feet in height, with bright yellow wood. It bears a cluster of compound leaves, each with 5 lanceolate to broadly ovate, toothed, incised, or parted leaflets. Produces small brown-purple flowers on thin spikes.

Flowering Period
April to May.

Habitat
Damp woods, thickets, and stream banks.

Harvest
Roots in fall.

Uses
The roots are reputed to be valuable for making a bitter tonic and as a treatment for dyspepsia.