Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard)

Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus)

Height, Spread: 3-6 ft, 2-4 ft

Water/Soil: Moist, high organic matter, loam

Light: Dappled sun-Partial shade

Bloom: Spring-summer, white panicles

Native Range: Eastern & Central North America

Qualities: Attractive to pollinators, Wildlife resource, Host plant, NC Native

Notes: Herbaceous perennial found in rich, moist forests primarily in the Mountains and the Piedmont of NC. The fragrant white flowers are attractive to pollinators and is a host plant for the Dusky Azure butterfly ( Celastrina nigra). Birds eat the seeds and use the foliage as nesting sites. It is best planted in a continuously moist place with rich soil and partial shade such as creekside or in a woodland garden.