Goat’s Beard (Aruncus Dioicus) – 1 Gallon Pot

Other Names:  Bride’s-feathers, Eastern Goat’s Beard, Spirea Aruncus

A very long-lived and easy-to-grow North American native perennial, Aruncus dioicus, commonly known as Goat’s Beard, is such a lovely and dependable flowering beauty that nurseryman and gardeners since the 1800’s have had nothing but praise for it. For those unacquainted with Goat’s Beard, it gradually spreads forming a clump of attractive, pinnately divided green leaves to 4 feet wide or so. In late spring to early summer immense plumes of white flowers, similar in appearance to those of Astilbe, put on an unrivaled flower show that will certainly get grab the attention of guests or passersby, not to mention the local butterflies. The flowers are also excellent for cutting and use in flower arrangements. In design, it is a spectacular accent in smaller garden spaces or in groupings or drifts in partially to fully shades garden and woodland borders. Though it might tolerate full sun with adequate moisture, it thrives and looks more at home in a shady to partially shaded environment. Over the years we’ve seen no serious problems with pests or disease and the deer and rabbits in our gardens turn their nose up to it. Much prettier that its name might suggest, Goat’s Beard is one of those plants that we think deserves a spot in every garden where it will grow (USDA Zones 3-8) and is one that’ll have you always looking forward to its bloom.

Aruncus is a larval host to Dusky Azure the caterpillars of which will appear from April to May. Adult Dusky Azure butterflies feed on flower nectar. Also attracts other beneficial pollinators.

Goat’s Beard is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained to consistently moist soil in part to full shade. That said, established plants tolerate short periods of drought. Will tolerate full sun in cool-summer climates provided the soil stays consistently moist. Though not necessary, spent flowers can be snipped off if desired to enjoy the green color of leaves on this shrub-like plant for the rest of the season.

For helpful planting tips click on the Planting & Care Advice tab on this page.