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Goat’s Beard | Plant Profile

Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus) are herbaceous perennials that are native to wetlands in the American Midwest. These are tall and bushy plants that can grow up to 6′ tall. The dark green foliage is complimented beautifully by fluffy spikes that are covered in tiny white flowers. These perennials are dioecious, meaning that each individual is either male or female. Male Goat’s Beard have showier flowers than females.

Goat’s Bread prefers fertile, moist soils in full sun to part shade.

These shade tolerant wetland perennials are ideal options for pond or river bank backgrounds. They can create a beautiful border for wildflower or woodland areas. When aligned they can create a tall barrier. Plant in low spots to absorb excess ground moisture.

 

Description

Goat's Beard Characteristics

Goat's Beard are low maintenance, tall perennials with showy white flowers. The foliage may die back quickly if the soils dry out. These plants appreciate part shade in the Pittsburgh climate as the warm summers may scorch the leaves. Remove spent flower spikes on males to improve the appearance of the plants, though this will not encourage additional bloom. Spent female spikes produce attractive seed plumes that can be left on the plants to prolong their interest.

There are few disease or insect issues that threaten Goat's Beard. Leaf spot is possible. Once planted, Goat's Beard may be slow to establish.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 4 - 8
Height
4.00 - 6.00'
Spread
2.00 - 4.00'
Bloom Time
April - May
Water
Medium - Wet
Sun
Full Sun - Part Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
No