I had a spot near a crepe myrtle tree, in shade, with clay soil. I put one Amrtican Gold Rush in this spot based on its description of being tough. A year later, it is growing, slowly, as I would expect given its growing conditions. I just added 2 more, along with layers of compost and mulch with drip irrigation. So far it's working and I don't have bark to look at.

Becky - Houston, TX (the temp is 115° today)