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Aruncus spp.

Rosaceae Cool temperate northern hemisphere

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 3–7

Overview

Aruncus spp. is a genus of about three clump-forming herbaceous perennials in the rose family, native to the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere. Plants range widely in size: A. dioicus, goat's beard, reaches 48-72 inches (120-180 cm) tall and as wide, while A. aethusifolius, dwarf Korean goat's beard, stays 8-14 inches (20-35 cm). Leaves are pinnately compound and toothed, fern-like, mid to deep green, 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) long on the larger species. In early summer, branched plumes carry many tiny creamy-white flowers about 0.1 inch (3 mm) across. Plants are dioecious, with male plumes denser and fuller than the female, which later bear small dry seed capsules. Growth is upright then arching, forming a dense clump from a woody rootstock over 2-3 years. Foliage dies back to the ground in autumn after turning yellow. Lower leaves can brown and scorch in full sun and dry soil, and the large species takes several years to reach full height.

Native Range

Native across the cool temperate northern hemisphere, including Europe, temperate Asia, and North America. Grows in moist woodland, along streams, in ravines, and on shaded mountain slopes in humus-rich soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shaded and woodland borders, beside ponds and streams, and in damp rain gardens, with the large species spaced 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) apart and the dwarf form 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. The tall species is used at the back of moist borders, the dwarf as an edging or groundcover. Both grow in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) kept moist.

How to Identify

Recognized by clumps of fern-like, pinnately compound toothed leaves topped in early summer by branched plumes of tiny creamy-white flowers. A. dioicus stands 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall, while A. aethusifolius forms a low mound under 14 inches (35 cm) with finely cut foliage. Male and female plumes occur on separate plants, the male fuller and brighter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Creamy-white plumes open from late spring into early summer, about May through July depending on climate and elevation. Bloom lasts 2-4 weeks. Cooler, moist conditions extend the display, while heat and drought shorten it. Male plants flower slightly more fully than female plants.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

mid to deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in part shade to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil and tolerate full sun only where soil stays consistently damp. Leaves scorch and brown at the margins in dry, sunny sites. Established clumps are long-lived and seldom need division, though the woody crown can be split in early spring. Few pests trouble the foliage, though sawfly larvae occasionally chew leaves. Plants are watered through dry spells to prevent early dormancy. The clump dies back to the ground each autumn and reshoots in spring.

Pruning

Faded flower plumes are cut back after bloom, or left to stand as dry seed heads into autumn. Yellowing foliage is removed at ground level once it dies down in late autumn. Clumps are divided in early spring if more plants are wanted, cutting through the woody crown with a sharp spade.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall