Aruncus dioicus

Every spring, my excitement at seeing thriving goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus) at peak is renewed and restored. This tall (48-60 inch), stately perennial displays the perfect combination of textural foliage and beautiful, feathery white plumes in spring that are significantly showy even as they fade to a tan. Native to portions of the Northern Hemisphere, this member of the rose family (Rosaceae) is a moisture lover and while thriving in part shade, will tolerate full sun if kept consistently moist. Part sun locations are recommended in more southern locations with hotter summers. I’ve seen many struggling specimens of this species in dry shade locations which are never ideal. Slow to mature, this plant incrementally spreads by rhizomes to form a large, “shrub-sized” clump in time.

The pinnately compound, dark green leaves are quite attractive although the foliage will suffer and decline quickly if soil moisture is lacking. Fertile, moist, organically rich soils are ideal for the best vigor, impact and longevity of Aruncus dioicus and its half dozen or so cultivars (worth exploring). The creamy-white flower plumes, formed by tiny, starry flowers, are described as “astilbe-like” and their peak impact is for about two weeks. There are actually both male and female plants and associated flowers with the male being slightly showier. The females later produce tiny brown seed capsules (poisonous). Male and female plants are not distinguished in the trade with both being very showy. If the fading flowers are removed, the plant will quickly create bushier growth. Division in very early spring is recommended as needed.

Goat’s beard, unsurprisingly, has won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and well-grown specimens are absolutely worth the space they encompass in the garden. This long-lived perennial is also both deer and rabbit resistant with very few insect or disease problems (although sawflies and leaf spot may appear on occasion). Aruncus dioicus is also the host plant for the dusky azure butterfly.