eastern goat's beard

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-6 ft. tall
2-4 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Fresh seed should germinate in 2-3 weeks without pre-treatment. Older seed should be cold moist stratified for at least 30 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Amend soil with organic matter prior to planting.

Plants/Diseases

Minor susceptibility to sawflies and leaf spot.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Alternate compound leaves with lanceolate leaflets that are double serrated.

Flowers

Separate male and female flowers, with the male flowers being showier. Tiny white flowers arranged on a panicle.

Fruit

Brown to copper follicle.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Moist, nutrient rich forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the piedmont. Common in the upstate. Absent from the coastal plain.

Subspecies

Aruncus dioicus var. dioicus

Aruncus dioicus var. pubescens

Aruncus dioicus var. vulgaris