Description

Aruncus dioicus (Walter) Fernald var. dioicus, Bride’s Feathers, Goat’s Beard,Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennial

Bride’s-feathers or Goat’s Beard is an imposing perennial, 3-6 ft tall. The stems bear several twice- or thrice-pinnately compound leaves, the segments prominently toothed. The large, feathery clusters of small, white flowers are reminiscent of astilbes. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, the staminate being more attractive.

Aruncus, from the Greek aryngos (“goat’s beard”), refers to the showy, finger-like flower clusters, which form feathery masses of all male or all female flowers.

Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Margin: Dentate
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Dioecious
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Flower: Flower clusters 6 to 24 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Male plants have showier flowers.
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , AR , CA , DC , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , SC , TN , VA , WA , WI , WV
Canada: AB , BC , NS , ON , QC , YT
Native Distribution: PA and IA, south to NC, AL, & AR
Native Habitat: Damp, fertile woods, mountainous areas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Average to acid, mesic to moist soil.
Conditions Comments: Tolerates seasonal flooding. Needs a lot of space.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Good for large-scale displays of white blooms in spring and summer, such as massed in a drift down a slope.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Dusky Azure
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Dusky Azure

Aruncus dioicus (Walter) Fernald var. dioicus, Bride’s Feathers, Goat’s Beard,Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennial