Aruncus dioicus (Walter) Fernald

Erect, 1–2 m; lvs to 5 dm; lfls lance-ovate or ovate-oblong to broadly ovate, 5–15 cm, acuminate, doubly serrate, rounded to cordate at base, the lateral usuallyoblique, sometimes 2-lobed; infl 1-3 dm; pet ca 1 mm or less; fr reflexed, 2 mm, with persistent style; 2n=18. Rich, north-facing woods; Pa. to O., Ind., and Io., s. to N.C., Ala., and Ark. May, June. The poorly defined, chiefly western var. pubescens (Rydb.) Fernald has subcylindric frs, and the lvs are usually or always pubescent beneath, in contrast to the chiefly more eastern var. dioicus, with semi-ovoid frs (strongly convex on the back) and with the lvs glabrous or pubescent beneath. (A. allegheniensis)

Damp woods, shady places and by streams, usually in mountainous areas. Rich woods, stream banks, north-facing roadsides, seeps, ditches; at elevations from 10-1,500 metres in N. America.

The young shoots are used as a vegetable. They are also added to soup. They are often blanched or dried and parboiled. They are also used to make a drink.

Can be grown by divisions or seedlings. Seeds needs stratification.