How do Actaea or Cimicifuga varieties differ?
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (8)
gardenprincethenetherlandsZ7/8
9 years agoperen.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
9 years agoRelated Discussions
How Far apart to plant different varieties?
Comments (7)For some reason I thought that the actual berry could change? , but if the plant can be affected by cross pollination, doesn't that about equal the same thing? What changes? Would a different variety of fruit result if the plant was propogated? Clearly, I am unfamiliar with the science here. So if these plants are left to grow amongst each other (or at least in beds that are relatively close to each other (red, black rasp and blackberry), and the new shoots are dug up, will they be the same as the mother plant regardless of what happens pollination wise?...See MoreQuestion for TsugaJunkie (actaea, cimicifuga)
Comments (1)My 'Hillside Black Beauty' and 'Brunette' are growing where they get only 2-3 hours (at best) of morning sun. They are under mature Austrian pines and are 7-10 years old...they do quite well. I moved a 'Hillside Black Beauty' last spring and that almost killed it (they don't take kindly to root disturbance), but it was mostly recovered by season's end. I also have some 15+ year old 'Atropurpurea' in a bit more sun which appears to be reseeding (moved one of those last fall). As for care, they are in beds that get compost every other year and that's it-no fertilizer, but these beds have been treated this way for over 20 years so there's a lot of life in that soil. The area they're in gets water at an average 1 inch per week but that's because of other things planted there, not sure how much the Actaea really needs. My plants grow 3-4 feet tall with the flower spikes 4-5 feet lasting a good 3 weeks with a great aroma. The seed heads are good for dried arrangements as well. I enjoy them very much. tj...See MoreOh happy day!!! Cimicifuga seedlings!!!
Comments (14)Well...they are toast...I have been entirely too busy and completely forgot they were out there when the "big freeze" came through...they are gone...none, nada, zilch... If I had remembered them, their little butts would have been indoors........... I hope that some of the other seeds have not surfaced yet...maybe those were early, but I am doubtful at this point. Boo-hoo! :o(...See MoreDifference from a Variety Species from a Subspecies Variety?
Comments (4)There are three ranks below species accepted by the ICBN; in order of decreasing differentiation: subspecies variety forma The ICBN doesn't have any formal definitions of the term, other than that they must be used in that order (i.e., you can have a variety of a subspecies, but not a subspecies of a variety). The definitions are thus open to some debate and different usage by different botanists, so what one botanist may consider sufficiently distinct to be a subspecies, another may regard as only distinct enough to be a variety. Various guidelines have been published by various botanists as to how they use the terms; the one I have always found the best is that proposed by Du Rietz (1930, The fundamental units of biological taxonomy, Svensk Bot. Tidsrk. 24: 333-428) and Rothmaler (1944, Systematische Einheiten in der Botanik, Feddes Repert. 54: 1-22), and followed by e.g. Christensen (1987, Taxonomic revision of the Pinus mugo complex, Nordic J. Bot. 7: 383-408). Summarised, this is as follows: A forma of a variety, subspecies or species occurs sporadically within the distribution area of the taxon of higher rank, and differs from that taxon in a single character. A variety of a subspecies or species is to some extent allopatric [may or may not be restricted to a discrete native area] as well as mixed intergrading populations if they occur together, and differ from each other in usually more than a single distinct character. A subspecies of a species is both regionally and locally allopatric (but may intergrade where their ranges meet), and differs in several distinct characters. Species of a genus differ from each other in numerous distinct characters. Where closely related species meet, occasional hybridisation and introgression may occur (but does not always do so). A broadly similar definition is given by Rushforth (Conifers, 1987), with the additional point that varieties do not differ markedly in ecology or adaptation, whereas subspecies often do. Coming back to the cedar thread, the four taxa of cedars in the Mediterranean are a slightly difficult case in that they do have distinct ranges with no introgression (because of sea barriers), but they do not differ in several distinct characters, nor do they show any significant differences in ecology or adaptation (the biggest difference is that stenocoma is one USDA zone hardier than the others, not a huge difference). For this reason, I consider that varietal, rather than subspecific, rank is the most appropriate. For comparison, consider e.g. Coastal and Rocky Mts Douglas-firs, which do differ in several distinct characters, and also markedly ecology and adaptation (RMDF is 3 USDA zones hardier than Coastal), so much so that neither can reproduce successfully within the range of the other. This I consider an excellent example of a subspecies (if it isn't a distinct species!). If one follows traditional classification (Cedrus atlantica for Atlas Cedar; Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca for RMDF), one is left with an indistinct taxon with minimal morphological and no ecological difference classified at a higher rank than a distinct taxon with strong morphological and ecological differences. Resin...See MoreNHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years agolinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years agogardenprincethenetherlandsZ7/8
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agolinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Actaea Racemosa
Elegant flowers top black cohosh in summer woodland gardens
Full StoryFLOWERS AND PLANTSAruncus Dioicus Is a Stately Plant for Shady, Moist Garden Spots
Plant goat’s beard in perennial and woodland gardens. Its large white spring blooms attract bees, beetles and butterflies
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES8 Plants for a Deliciously Fragrant Fall Garden
Scent the autumn air with the perfume of caramel corn, honey and spices by adding these intoxicating plants to your landscape
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Replace Your Lawn With a Garden
New project for a new year: Lose the turfgrass for energy savings, wildlife friendliness and lower maintenance
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTop 12 Summer-Blooming Perennials for Deer-Resistant Drama
Can you have garden color, fragrance and exciting foliage with hungry deer afoot? These beauties say yes
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNTake Your Garden on a Rural Route With Plant-Dominant Designs
Let plants take center stage for a garden that recalls idyllic pastures fashioned by nature's hand
Full StoryPATIOSPatio Details: Covered Dining Area Extends a Family’s Living Space
Large sliding glass doors connect a pergola-covered terrace with a kitchen and great room in Seattle
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNHow to Make Your Stone House Feel at Home in the Landscape
The right gate, walkway, garden furniture and, of course, plantings can help make the connection
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGCrab Apple Trees Set Off a Stylish English Courtyard
A structure of pleached crab apple trees, bordered by a wildflower meadow, links a minimalist addition to an old house in Buckinghamshire
Full Story
peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada