<< Previous Plant  |   Next Plant >> Aruncus dioicus Goats Beard Aruncus dioicus is a fantastic native with large, fine textured feathery blooms in late Spring. Though closely related to Spiraea, Goat's Beard more closely resembles a giant Astilbe. When happy Aruncus can be a formidable garden plant, reaching a spread of 6 feet or more. It is lovely when used at woods edge and it can provide a dense screen beneath a high canopy. Characteristics & Attributes Exposure Shade Part Sun Soil Moisture Needs Moist Average Season of Interest (Flowering) Late Spring / Early Summer Growth Rate Medium Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips Aruncus dioicus prefers partial shade and consistent moisture, though a moist sunny site will work very well in cooler climates. Goat's Beard will survive periods of drought, but the foliage will brown around the edges at the first sign of deprivation. Interesting Notes Aruncus dioicus is found in moist woods and meadows from Quebec to Oklahoma and Georgia. A. dioicus var. acuminatus is found along the west coast from Alaska to California. Distribution Map Aruncus dioicus is a spectacular plant when given sufficient moisture, dappled shade, and plenty of room. In the northern states, plants are far more tolerant of afternoon sun than in the South. I read that males are more sought after than females because their plumes are supposedly fuller. One can argue that the male plumes are more feathery and upright than the drooping seed- laden females, but unless you are a chauvinist of some kind, it does not matter. Allan Armitage

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