Aruncus dioicus

Description

Aruncus dioicus, or Goat’s Beard, is a perennial member of the rose family growing in moist woods, meadows, and along streams. Goat’s Beard is a very showy plant growing 3 to 5 feet tall in large bushy clumps. The plant features feathery clusters of tiny cream-colored flowers on long branched spikes and blooms from June to July. Its beautiful display makes Goat’s Beard a popular choice for gardeners. The plant is dioecious as its species name suggests, meaning there are separate male and female plants. Plants with male flowers (look for numerous stamens per flower) produce a showier bloom than plants with female flowers (look for three pistils per flower). Goat’s Beard is the larval host for the Dusky Azure butterfly.

Aruncus dioicus is also known as Bride’s Feathers or Buck’s Beard.