Aruncus dioicus - goat's beard
DESCRIPTION
goat's beard
Aruncus dioicus
Aruncus dioicus is a fantastic native with large, feathery blooms in early summer. The enormous plumbs of creamy white blossoms attract butterflies and other beneficial insects in vast numbers. The seeds of the female plants provide food for birds in the fall and winter. East to grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
Benefits
- Attracts butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Host plant for the dusky azure caterpillars
- Superb yellow fall foliage color
- Dense shrub-like form provides shelter for birds
- Perfect for massing in shaded areas
- Native birds will feed on seeds of spent flowers
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Alaska south to California along with the east coast states from Maine to Georgia, west to Wisconsin and Oklahoma.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
Received the Royal Horticulture Society's Award of Garden Merit. In Italy the young shoots are eaten, usually boiled briefly in herb infused water, and then cooked with eggs and cheese.
GROWING 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.
Mature Size: 3-6ft. Tall x 3-6ft. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Sun Exposure: Part Shade
VIDEO
Coming Soon!
American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download