General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in moist, fertile soils. Foliage decline can be rapid if soils are permitted to dry out. Prefers part shade, particularly in the southern part of its growing range. Does not perform well in the hot and humid conditions of the deep South (below USDA Zone 7). Plants are generally slow to establish.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This goat's beard cultivar is a compact plant which is primarily distinguished from the species (Aruncus dioicus - J430) by its deeply cut foliage, smaller size and less showy flower plumes. 'Kneiffii' typically grows to only 3' tall and features pinnately compound, rich green foliage which is deeply cut into thread-like segments and plume-like spikes of tiny, cream colored flowers which rise above the foliage in late May. This rose family member is somewhat similar in appearance to astilbe. Goat's beard is dioecious (separate male and female plants) as the species name suggests. Although male plants by reputation have showier flowers than female ones, nurseries do not distinguish sex when they sell the plants.