Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus

Nature Hills Nursery

Dramatic 4-6 Foot Tall Native Perennial with Feathery White Plumes that Tower Above Foliage
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 4-5 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$35²¹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This woodland native thrives in partial shade to full shade. While it can handle more sun in northern climates if the soil stays consistently moist, too much direct afternoon sun will scorch the delicate fern like foliage.
Soil: It prefers rich, organic soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or peat moss to improve drainage while keeping the moisture levels high.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Goat's Beard two to three times a week to help the deep root system settle in. Once established, this plant needs a steady supply of moisture to prevent the leaf tips from browning or the plant from wilting. It is not a drought tolerant species, so if your summer is particularly dry, you must increase watering to maintain its impressive size and feathery plumes.

Pruning Tips

Goat's Beard blooms on old wood, so the best time to prune is right after the flowers fade in mid summer. Think of this like a post bloom cleanup where you cut the spent flower stalks back to the highest set of leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. You can also cut the entire plant back to the ground in late autumn after the foliage turns yellow to prepare it for winter dormancy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new shoots begin to emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. A layer of organic mulch around the base each year provides a natural, slow drip of nutrients that these plants love.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Native, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-5 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Aruncus dioicus
Species	dioicus
Class	Rosales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Incredible Floral Fireworks Goat’s Beard

Feathery White Blooms
Flowers Early to Mid Summer
Wildflowers Are Held High Above Foliage
Native Perennial
Superb Nectar Support for Beneficial Pollinators
Long-Lasting Cut Flower
Textured Green Leaves
Showy, Large-Scale Accent
Yellow Fall Color With Cool Weather
Widely Adaptable
Cold-Hardy and Heat Tolerant
Full Sun or Partial Shade
Seldom Damaged by Deer

Improve the look of your landscape with Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus). These bold, blooming native perennials make a big impact with their creamy-white plumes and noteworthy, toothed foliage.

Goat's Beard flowers produce nectar which is very popular with butterflies and beneficial pollinators. This is a great plant to include in Butterfly Gardens and to plant near Victory Gardens, too.

You'll appreciate the feathery, tiered blooms for weeks! There is no way to miss these ornamental flowers...as they are held high above the bushy clump of foliage.

Plant plenty to have enough for cut flower arrangements indoors. Don't forget to utilize the dark green, pinnately compound leaves to "pop" the flowers in your vase.

You may know these majestic perennials as Bride's Feathers. Although it looks like a huge, white-blooming Astilbe, this native plant is actually a member of the Rosaceae family.

These lovely, large plants with their creamy-white flowers make an outstanding addition to woodland plantings in dappled shade. With consistent moisture, it tolerates a site in full sun as well.

Their pretty, corrugated foliage looks great all season. When the fall weather cooperates, you'll even enjoy a golden-yellow color.

Gain a naturalized look in your landscape with help from the airy plumes of Goat's Beard. Order today!

How to Use Goat's Beard in the Landscape

Make your yard look larger with a time-tested professional design tip. Use a single specimen at a pivotal turn in your garden border...where the "see-through" blooms can add a sophisticated sense of "peek-a-boo" mystery for garden visitors.

If you need soft—yet effective—screening, add several in a gorgeous flowering hedge. Plant them two feet apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.

They also make an incredible backdrop for shorter perennials and mixed shrubs. There is nothing quite as eye-catching as a stand of Goat's Beard in full bloom.

If you grow fruiting plants or have an annual veggie garden, you'll be thrilled at how many beneficial pollinators are attracted to these unique native plants.

Aruncus looks great around the perimeter of a pond, near the water's edge. Gain a very lavish reflected display.

At the edge of a woodland border, partner them with true Astilbes, Ferns and Anemone. Their white blooms will enchant you on a stroll in early summer.

#ProPlantTips for Care

In the cooler Zones, give them a spot with rich soil in full sun and regular moisture. Otherwise, plant them in part shade with at least four hours of sunlight a day.

Be patient with your young Goat's Beard as it gets established. During planting, give them Nature Hills Root Booster to support their feeder roots with a life-long symbiotic relationship that enables better absorption of water and micronutrients.

Mulch is important to keep their root systems nice and cool. Pull it back from the stems, and provide a moderate amount of water on a consistent basis.

Leave the spent cream-colored plume of flowers on the plant to dry for winter interest. Trim them back, if you prefer a manicured look.

Cut dioecious Goat's Beard back to ground level in spring. Each spring, you'll see all fresh new foliage emerge from the crown. Both male and female plants bloom yearly on that new growth.

Order these expertly-grown wildflowers today! Goat's Beard makes a very useful native landscape perennial. Enjoy yours!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Goat's Beard?

Goat's Beard reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This large-scale perennial needs adequate space to showcase its impressive feathery plumes and bushy foliage clump. Plan for its substantial size when positioning in borders or woodland gardens.

When is the best time to plant Goat's Beard?

Plant Goat's Beard in early spring after the last frost or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This cold-hardy native establishes easily in both seasons. Spring planting allows full season growth, while fall gives roots time to develop. Shop quality plants at naturehills.com.

How do I prune or trim Goat's Beard after flowering?

Deadhead spent flower plumes immediately after blooming to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy appearance. You can cut the entire flower stalk back to the foliage base. Leave the attractive toothed foliage intact through fall to enjoy the golden-yellow color.

Is Goat's Beard deer-resistant or prone to pests?

Goat's Beard is seldom damaged by deer, making it an excellent choice for areas with browsing pressure. This native perennial's textured foliage and bitter compounds naturally deter most wildlife. Plant it in mixed borders where deer are problematic.

Can I propagate Goat's Beard from seeds or division?

Goat's Beard propagates easily through division in early spring or fall, while seed propagation is possible but slower. Division of established clumps gives quicker results and maintains plant characteristics. Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate plants, available at naturehills.com.

Will Goat's Beard survive hot, humid summers in southern zones?

Goat's Beard is heat tolerant and adapts well to southern zones with proper care. This native perennial thrives in hot, humid summers when given consistent moisture and some afternoon shade. Plant in partial shade and maintain steady watering during peak summer heat.

Is Goat's Beard shipped as bare root, potted, or seeds?

Goat's Beard is typically shipped as potted plants rather than bare root or seeds. This native perennial establishes more reliably when transplanted as a potted specimen. Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment results.

Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus