photo of Aruncus dioicus

Aruncus dioicus

Goat's Beard

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Goat’s Beard is a tall perennial with astilbe-like flowers. Large feathery spikes of small, creamy-white flowers bloom April-June. This...

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Description:

Goat’s Beard is a tall perennial with astilbe-like flowers. Large feathery spikes of small, creamy-white flowers bloom April-June. This perennial is dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate plants); the males have slightly showier flowers. The flowers can be used fresh-cut or dried in floral arrangements. The nectar attracts butterflies and bees. Goat’s Beard is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Dusky Azure (Celastrina nigra). It prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate occasional flooding. Plant Goat’s Beard in masses in the back of borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, or along edges of ponds or streams. It can also be used as a specimen or as a screening plant.

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: Bride's Feathers

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial

New Jersey Native: No

Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: White

Deer Resistance: None

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Partial Shade

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist

Drought Tolerance: Low

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 4 - 6 ft

Spread: 2 - 4 ft

Growth Rate: Medium