Aruncus dioicus Goat's Beard PFAF Plant Database

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Aruncus dioicus - (Walter.)Fernald.

Common Name

Goat's Beard

Family

Rosaceae

Synonyms

A. silvester. A. vulgaris.

Known Hazards

Cyanogenic glycosides are found in the leaves[74].

Habitats

Damp woods, shady places and by streams, usually in mountainous areas[50, 187].

Range

Europe, N. America and Asia.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Aruncus dioicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Jun to August. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and are pollinated by Insects.The plant is not self-fertile.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Wsiegmund

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Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves. Edible Uses: Budlings, stems and young leaves - cooked[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antipyretic; Astringent; Birthing aid; Salve; Stings; Stomachic; VD.

The poulticed root is applied to bee stings[222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is used to allay bleeding after child birth, to reduce profuse urination and to treat stomach pains, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, fevers and internal bleeding[222, 257]. The tea is used externally to bathe swollen feet and rheumatic joints[222, 257]. A salve made from the root ashes is rubbed onto sores[257].

Other Uses
Plants form a dense growth that is very effective at holding invasive plants at bay[208]. They can be used as a tall ground cover for large areas[208].

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most moist soils in sun or partial shade[187, 200, 233]. Plants do well in moist to wet soils but will also tolerate fairly dry sites[208]. Succeeds in acid or limey soils[208]. Grows well on the woodland edge[200]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. This is a polymorphic species, especially the form that grows in Japan[187]. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value, 'Kneiffii' is only half the size of the type species[208]. Plants are fast-growing[208] and form very large clumps[187]. The flowers are sweetly perfumed[245]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[208].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. They can be planted out into their permanent positions at any time of the year. Division in early spring or autumn[200]. Very easy, the clumps can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

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Expert comment

Author
(Walter.)Fernald.

Botanical References
50200

Links / References

[50]? Flora Europaea

An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.

[177]Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption.

An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.

[187]Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2.

Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[208]Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover

An excellent detailled book on the subject, very comprehensive.

[222]Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.

A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[245]Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World.

An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

[257]Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany

Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

Readers comment

Elizabeth H.
spice royer	Fri Dec 16 2005

i have grown this plant successfully in ottawa canada (zone 5) for many years.

Elizabeth H.
Richard W. Peters, M.D.	Thu Jun 14 2007

This is a wonderful shade plant for one's shade garden. It is large, showy, and wonderful at the edge of a forest, as it fills in the trees. I do not understand why nursery people do not push this plant for shade gardens. They always lead you to the hostas. It is very easy to grow and has no insect ir mite problems. I cannot believe it is Zone 7. I have been raising it for years in Zone 6 and it doesn't even blink.

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