Plant Description

Aruncus dioicus

Goat’s Beard is a tall-shrub like plant with large, feathery clusters of cream-colored flowers. 

A goat's beard plant in bloom.

A Goat's Beard plant in bloom, seen from a distance, with dense green foliage.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height 3-7 ft
Growth Rate Moderate
Life Cycle Perennial
Moisture Use Moderate
Drought Tolerance High after establishment
Deer Browse No
Wildlife Value Good for insect pollinators and other beneficial insects
Hardiness USDA Zones 3-9
Bloom Time May-August
Bloom Color Creamy Off-White
Habitat Type Woodland edges and margins

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Angiosperms
Clade Eudicots
Order Rosales
Family Rosaceae
Genus Aruncus
Species A. dioicus

Planting information

Sun

Dappled shade to full shade

Soil

Moist soils high in organic matter; loamy soils

Special Uses

Woodland gardens; very showy plant for gardens; seed pods are poisonous

Ease of Care

Easy

RESOURCES

Oregon Flora Database
Wildflower Native Plant Database
USDA Plants Database

PLANT IMAGES

  • A close up photo of one stem of goat's beard flowers.
  • A close up of goat's beard leaves.
  • A branch of goat's beard flowers, with the plant's leaves visible in the background.
  • A close up of goat's beard flowers, where just a couple of the small buds near the branch are blooming.