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Goatsbeard Spiraea

Aruncus dioicus

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose)

Also in this family:

Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

2 metres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, meadows, mountains, riverbanks, riversides, roadsides, towns, wasteland, waterside, woodland.

Flower:

✿

White, 5 petals

Goatsbeard produces dramatic, plume-like clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers arranged on tall, branching spikes. These feathery panicles can reach up to 60 cm long and resemble the tail of a goat, hence the common name. Flowering typically occurs from June to July. The plant is dioecious—meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants—with male flower spikes appearing fuller and more showy than the female ones.

Fruit:

On female plants, once pollinated, small dry seed capsules form after flowering. These fruits are inconspicuous and not often retained long into the season. The seeds are tiny and dispersed by wind or gravity.

Leaves:

The foliage is bold and decorative, with large, compound leaves divided into toothed leaflets. Each leaf can be up to 90 cm long, giving the plant a fern-like appearance. The leaves emerge a vibrant green in spring, darken as summer progresses, and may take on golden tones in autumn before dying back in winter.

Fragrance:

The flowers have a very mild scent, often described as faintly sweet or honey-like, though it may not be noticeable unless close to the plant. The fragrance is subtle and not the main appeal of the plant, which is more valued for its striking visual display.

Other Names:

Goat’s Beard, Bride's Feathers, Buck's-beard, Goats Beard, Spaghetti Flower.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Summary

Aruncus dioicus, also known as goat's beard or bride's feathers, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and Europe, and commonly found in woodlands, meadows and along stream banks. It grows to a height of 1-2m and has large, feathery plumes of white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. It has finely-divided, fern-like leaves that are dark green in color. It is often used in landscaping and horticulture as an ornamental perennial, and it is known for its hardiness and tolerance to both heat and humidity. It is also a popular plant for naturalistic plantings, wild gardens, and woodland gardens.

Blog

Goatsbeard Spiraea, also known as Aruncus dioicus, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its striking appearance and hardiness make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike. In this blog, we will explore the unique features of Goatsbeard Spiraea and some tips for growing and caring for this stunning plant.

Appearance

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has large, feathery, creamy white plumes that bloom in early to mid-summer. The plumes can grow up to 2 feet long, creating an impressive display of color and texture. The foliage is also unique, with large, deeply-lobed green leaves that add depth and contrast to the plant.

Growing Conditions

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a hardy plant that thrives in full to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand. However, it is important to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist, as Goatsbeard Spiraea is sensitive to drought. The plant can also tolerate cold temperatures, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in northern regions.

Planting and Care

Goatsbeard Spiraea can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting, it is important to ensure that the soil is prepared by loosening it to a depth of 12 inches and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The plant should be placed in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as its root ball, and the soil should be gently packed around the roots. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks.

Once established, Goatsbeard Spiraea requires little maintenance. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist and to fertilize the plant annually in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant can be divided every three to four years in the spring to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy growth.

Uses

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings. It works well as a border plant or as a backdrop for other perennials in a mixed garden. Its feathery plumes and striking foliage make it an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to a shady corner of the garden. The plant can also be used as a cut flower, as its plumes are long-lasting and make an excellent addition to floral arrangements.

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a stunning plant with unique features and hardiness. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. Whether used as a border plant or as a focal point in a mixed garden, Goatsbeard Spiraea is sure to add texture and interest to any landscape.

Benefits for Wildlife

Goatsbeard Spiraea is not only a beautiful addition to a garden, but it also provides important benefits for wildlife. The plant's large, feathery plumes serve as a food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the foliage provides cover for birds and small mammals. In addition, Goatsbeard Spiraea is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in areas with high deer populations.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Goatsbeard Spiraea available, each with its own unique features. Aruncus aethusifolius, also known as Dwarf Goatsbeard, is a compact variety that grows to only 12 inches tall and is perfect for rock gardens or smaller spaces. Aruncus ‘Horatio’ has striking pink plumes that bloom in early summer, adding a pop of color to a shady garden.

Uses in Landscaping

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping settings. Its feathery plumes and striking foliage make it an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to a shady corner of the garden. The plant can also be used as a specimen plant or as a backdrop for other perennials in a mixed garden. In addition, Goatsbeard Spiraea is an excellent choice for planting near water features or in rain gardens, as it can tolerate moist soil conditions.

In traditional herbal medicine, the root of Goatsbeard Spiraea has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems. However, it is important to note that the use of herbal remedies should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Goatsbeard Spiraea is a beautiful and hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its unique features, versatility, and benefits for wildlife make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. Whether used as a border plant, a specimen plant, or in a rain garden, Goatsbeard Spiraea is sure to add texture and interest to any landscape.

Propagation

Goatsbeard Spiraea can be propagated by division or from seed. Division is the most common method of propagation and should be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and carefully divided into sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. The divided sections can then be replanted and watered thoroughly.

Seeds can also be collected from the plant and sown in the fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown in moist soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.

Pests and Diseases

Goatsbeard Spiraea is generally a low-maintenance plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and that there is good air circulation around the plant. In addition, it is important to remove any infected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the disease from spreading.

Goatsbeard Spiraea, also known as Aruncus dioicus, is a stunning plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its unique features, hardiness, and benefits for wildlife make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. Whether used as a border plant, a specimen plant, or in a rain garden, Goatsbeard Spiraea is sure to add texture and interest to any landscape.

Cultural Significance

In addition to its horticultural and ecological value, Goatsbeard Spiraea has cultural significance in some regions. In some Native American cultures, the plant was used for medicinal purposes to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, rheumatism, and skin conditions. The plant was also used in spiritual ceremonies and as a natural dye for textiles.

In contemporary culture, the plant has been used in landscape design for public spaces, such as parks and botanical gardens, to create a natural and peaceful environment. The plant's feathery plumes and striking foliage can help create a serene and calming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for public spaces.

In conclusion, Goatsbeard Spiraea is a beautiful and versatile plant with many benefits for gardeners, wildlife, and culture. Its unique features, hardiness, and cultural significance make it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscaping settings. Whether used for its horticultural, ecological, or cultural value, Goatsbeard Spiraea is sure to add beauty and interest to any landscape.

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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