Aruncus
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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.
Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture |
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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.
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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
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Species
- Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard) is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout the cooler parts of Europe, Asia and North America. In the broad sense, this is the only species in the genus, with the species below treated as synonyms or varieties of it by some botanists.
- 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.
Gallery
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