In The Garden Now…..Goat’s Beard

Bride’s Feathers or Buck’s-Beard

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

I’ve always thought that Goat’s Beard flowers looked as if they were made of carefully arranged white pipe cleaners. 

Seeing this plant in flower reminds me of all those arts and crafts projects my kids made out of fuzzy chenille stems. Memories!

I’m very fond of the pure white blossoms that age to cream in my late spring garden. The flowering plants look exotic though in fact they are perennial natives that just happen to perform beautifully in northwest gardens with a minimum of care. 

Goat’s Beard flourishes in part shade to heavy shade and actually seems to thrive when grown in crowded conditions among other perennials, ferns and shrubs. Although it can be grown in moist areas it does well in dry shade.

Plants are upright to 5 feet or more and form vase shaped clumps that dance gracefully above shorter shade lovers. Goat’s Beard is deciduous going dormant for the colder months of the year. 

Fresh green growth emerges in early spring with flowers to follow. My plants have never been bothered by pests or disease. 

Do you have a spot for this handsome trouble free perennial native?

Botanical Name: Aruncus dioicus

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com )