Goat’s Beard

Botanical Name

:

Aruncus dioicus

Plant Type

:

Flowering herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) in cooler climates; Partial shade (3–5 hours of indirect sunlight) in hot or desert regions

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–65°F (15–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Clay, loam, or sand, rich in organic matter

Hardiness Zones

:

4–7 (USDA)

Germination

:

Freshly harvested seeds germinate within 14–21 days when sown on the surface of a warm seedbed

P.H. Level

:

6.5–7.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Maintain consistent moisture but avoid sogginess; Water when the soil feels dry 1–2 inches deep

Fertilization

:

Add compost to the soil each spring as new growth starts

Habit

:

Clumping, shrub-like growth

Propagation

:

Division and self-seeding

Final Plant Height

:

4–6 ft

Spread

:

2–4 ft

Flowers

:

Feathery, cream-colored flower clusters (6–24 inches long) growing on spikes

Attracts

:

Butterflies and bees

Uses

:

Border plant, rain garden species, shady woodland plant, ornamental backdrop

Companions

:

Lady ferns, hostas, brunnera, and Dutchman’s pipe

Pruning

:

Remove spent flowers when the plant goes to seed to prevent spreading; Prune after flowering to encourage a bushier shape

Toxicity

:

Seeds are toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant, but watch for sawflies and caterpillars

Diseases

:

Root rot

Fun Fact

:

Goat’s beard is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. Male plants produce more showy, feathery flower clusters.

Additional Info

:

Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature

Did You Know?

Often mistaken for Astilbe due to their feathery, plume-like flowers. However, goat’s beard has larger, more robust flower clusters, while Astilbe has smaller, denser blooms.

Botanical Name

:

Aruncus dioicus

Plant Type

:

Flowering herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) in cooler climates; Partial shade (3–5 hours of indirect sunlight) in hot or desert regions

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–65°F (15–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Clay, loam, or sand, rich in organic matter

Hardiness Zones

:

4–7 (USDA)

Germination

:

Freshly harvested seeds germinate within 14–21 days when sown on the surface of a warm seedbed

P.H. Level

:

6.5–7.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Maintain consistent moisture but avoid sogginess; Water when the soil feels dry 1–2 inches deep

Fertilization

:

Add compost to the soil each spring as new growth starts

Habit

:

Clumping, shrub-like growth

Propagation

:

Division and self-seeding

Final Plant Height

:

4–6 ft

Spread

:

2–4 ft

Flowers

:

Feathery, cream-colored flower clusters (6–24 inches long) growing on spikes

Attracts

:

Butterflies and bees

Uses

:

Border plant, rain garden species, shady woodland plant, ornamental backdrop

Companions

:

Lady ferns, hostas, brunnera, and Dutchman’s pipe

Pruning

:

Remove spent flowers when the plant goes to seed to prevent spreading; Prune after flowering to encourage a bushier shape

Toxicity

:

Seeds are toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant, but watch for sawflies and caterpillars

Diseases

:

Root rot

Fun Fact

:

Goat’s beard is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. Male plants produce more showy, feathery flower clusters.

Additional Info

:

Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature

Did You Know?

Often mistaken for Astilbe due to their feathery, plume-like flowers. However, goat’s beard has larger, more robust flower clusters, while Astilbe has smaller, denser blooms.

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/