goat's beard, bride's feathers Interesting Notes

"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

Goatsbeard is handsome, clump-forming plant, typically 3-4’ tall with attractive plume-like spikes of small creamy-white flowers held above bold, pinnately compound medium green leaves. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants. It is easily grown in average, humus-rich, well-drained soil in part shade. Use goatsbeard as a shrub-like background plant in the border, for screening, in moist areas along streams and ponds, or as a cut flower. Plant goatsbeard with other low maintenance perennials such as Asarum canadense, Spigelia marilandica, Adiantum pedatum, Trillium erectum, Polemonium reptans, Arisaema triphyllum and Mertensia virginica. - Mt. Cuba Center

Aruncus dioicus Growing and Maintenance Tips

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.