Aruncus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wikipedia:How to read a taxobox
How to read a taxobox
Aruncus
Aruncus dioicus
Aruncus dioicus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Spiraeoideae
Genus: Aruncus
L.
Species

Aruncus aethusifolius
Aruncus dioicus
Aruncus gombalanus
Aruncus sylvester

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.

  • Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard or Korean Goatsbeard) has a restricted range, limited to Korea in eastern Asia.
  • Aruncus gombalanus (Yunnan Goatsbeard) occurs in the mountains of northwest Yunnan and adjacent Tibet.
  • 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.

How to grow. Goatsbeard does well in Zones 4-9 in almost any soil, in sun, or light shade. Set plants approximately 18 - 24 inches apart. To get new plants, divide clumps in spring or fall; otherwise clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitely.