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Aruncus aethusifolius

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Kemper Code:  B450

Common Name: goat's beard
Zone: 3 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Rosaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Korea
Height: 0.75 to 1 foot
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: May - June   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Ivory
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Best grown in moist, fertile, organically rich soils in full sun to part shade. Foliage decline can occur rapidly if soils are permitted to dry out. Prefers part shade, particularly in the southern part of its growing range. Removing faded flower stalks will not prolong bloom, but may improve plant appearance, particularly if a ground cover look is desired. On the other hand, flower stalks may be left in place to enjoy the continuing ornamental effect of the dried seed plumes. Generally does not perform well in the hot and humid conditions of the deep South (USDA Zones 8-10). Plants can be slow to establish.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This dwarf goat's beard is a clump-forming perennial which typically grows to only 12" tall. Features fern-like, compound, 3-4 pinnate, dark green leaves which form a foliage mound to 4-6" tall. Astilbe-like plumes of tiny, creamy white flowers rise above the foliage to 12" tall in late spring.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot.

Uses:

Ground cover or edging. Partly shaded areas of rock gardens, border fronts, woodland gardens or shade gardens.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010


More photos:
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.
Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.
High resolution image available.
  High resolution image available.