Aruncus dioicus (Goat's beard)

Botanical name

Aruncus dioicus

Other names

Goatsbeard, Goat's beard

Genus

Aruncus Aruncus

Species

A. dioicus - A. dioicus is a clump-forming perennial with pinnate, fern-like, mid-green leaves and pyramidal paniles of creamy white flowers in early and midsummer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Spreading, Irregular

Colour

Flower

Cream in Summer

Foliage

Light green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Black-fly , Leaf-mining sawflies

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering before seedlings can develop and self-seed around the garden.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's beard) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bog garden, Cottage/Informal, Waterside, Wildflower, Woodland

Cultivation

Plant in moist, fertile soil in full sun or part shade.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's beard)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's beard)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's beard)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orgyia thyellina

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest from Eastern Asia which could be damaging to broadleaf and coniferous species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be on goods (including non-plant material) imported from Eastern Asia and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/