Aruncus dioicus |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Open sun dappled settings; well draining evenly moist soil.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 29 November, 2011
Seed count: 40-50
Description:
This robust 2 meter perennial emerges early spring from short robust rhizomes, by mid to late spring heavy pendulous sprays of lacy creamy white flowers atop each stem looking very much like Astilbe. Nice foliage. In Autumn, rich brown coloured seed heads on female plants are very decorative...reminds me of finely plaited cedar bark cord I've seen in some Haida weaving/basketry.
Notes:
Gendered species. Female plants bear heavier flower clusters than the boys. Once used extensively by many Coastal First Nations as a medicinal. Carefree plant. Pest free. Will enter dormancy early in extreme drought conditions as a survival mechanism.
Cultivation:
Easy to start. Surface sow and press seed into medium. Keep moist plastic cover improves success. Germinates readily at 20 C in 30-90 days. Needs light to germinate, but use indirect light...mimic shady conditions with drapery material or remay laid overtop the plastic cover.
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