Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) is a tall herbaceous perennial with dark green, pinnately compound foliage. Showy plumes of creamy white flowers rise above the leaves, adding height and soft texture to garden plantings. Plants with male flowers produce showier blooms than those with female flowers; plant sex is not specified.

Allow room for its mature size and choose a location with ample moisture. Part sun is recommended in Southern gardens.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Origin: North America and western Europe
• Mature height: 4–6 feet
• Mature spread: 2–4 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 3 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–7
• Light: Full sun to part sun; part sun recommended in the South
• Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Creamy white plumes
• Foliage: Dark green compound leaves

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial suits borders, grouped plantings, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, rain gardens, and containers where its size and moisture needs can be accommodated.

Pair with wild ginger, bluebells, or Jacob's ladder for contrasting foliage and seasonal flowers.

Image credits: Anneli Salo, Aruncus dioicus Töyhtöangervo VI08 C H5598, CC BY-SA 3.0; Syrio, Aruncus dioicus Cantilaga 01, CC BY-SA 4.0; Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Aruncus dioicus Parzydło leśne 2010-05-29 01, CC BY-SA 4.0; Robert Flogaus-Faust, Aruncus dioicus 2 RF, CC BY 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.