Aruncus

From Gardenology.org - Plant Encyclopedia and Gardening Wiki
Revision as of 02:05, 28 January 2010 by Raffi (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigationJump to search


Aruncus dioicus var. acuminatus


Plant Characteristics
Cultivation
Scientific Names

Rosaceae >

Aruncus >


If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!


Aruncus is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Rosaceae, subfamily Spiraeoideae. Botanical opinion of the number of species differs, with from one to four species accepted.


Read about Aruncus in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Aruncus (old name). Rosaceae. Goat's-beard. Ornamental tall perennial herbs, cultivated chiefly for the large showy panicles of white flowers and also for the handsome much-divided foliage.

Leaves bi- to tripinnate with minute or wanting stipules: fis. dioecious, small; calyx 5-lobed petals 5; stamens many; pistils commonly 3: the follicles dehiscent, glabrous, usually 2-seeded; seeds minute, dull.— Two species in N. Amer., N. and W. Eu., N. Asia to Japan. Formerly usually referred to Spiraea, which differs chiefly in its shrubby habit, simple, rather small Lvs., and 5 pistils.

They are tall perennial herbs with large compound leaves and small white flowers in slender spikes forming large terminal panicles. The species in cultivation is hardy North; it prefers rich rather moist soil and grows well in half-shady situations. Propagation is by seeds, which germinate readily, and also by division of older plants.

A. astilboides, Maxim. (Spiraea Aruncus var. astilboides, Maxim.). Similar to the preceding, but lower and smaller in every part: lfts. more deeply serrate. ¾-1½ in. long: infl. less compound, with denser oblong branchlets: follicles erect. Japan.—Apparently not in cult.; the plant cult, under the name of Spiraea astilboides is Astilbe aetilboides, Lem., which is a true astilbe.


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Cultivation

Goatsbeard does well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9 in almost any soil, in sun, or light shadewp. Set plants approximately 18 - 24 inches apartwp.

Propagation

To get new plants, divide clumps in spring or fall; otherwise clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitelywp.

Pests and diseases

Do you have pest and disease info on this plant? Edit this section!

Species

  • Aruncus sylvester (Asian Goatsbeard) covers the widespread Asian forms of A. dioicus.

The genus was formerly treated as part of the related genus Spiraea.

Characteristics - A. sylvester For two weeks in early summer, each 4- to 6-foot stalk of goatsbeard is crowned with a 6- to 10-inch plume of tiny blossoms. Because the flowering season is relatively short and the foliage is tall, goatsbeard is generally placed at the back of a border, but it is also dramatic when massed alone as a separate planting. Its tolerance for partial shade and wet soil makes it popular in woodland gardens.

Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

References

External links