This shrub-like herbaceous perennial, also known as bride’s feather, is native to North America, northern Europe and Asia where it grows in moist woodlands. It is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes apples, Pyracantha, and meadowsweet. The dark green leaves are two to three foot long and tri-pinnately compound. In early to mid-summer creamy white male and female flowers appear in open plumes on different plants and are one to two feet long. Male plumes are more upright, brighter white, and are feathery because of their numerous stamens. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the plant serves as a larval host for the Dusky Azure butterfly. The Dusky Azure caterpillars eat the leaflets in spring and form their chrysalises in the foliage. Goatsbeard is a good back of the border plant where it has plenty of room to develop into a large clump but for smaller gardens the three foot tall cultivar ‘Kneiffii’ may be more suitable. Goat’s beard grows well in a variety of soil and light conditions but needs some afternoon shade and plenty of water in the southern part of its range.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size: 4-6’ H x 4-6’ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile, moderate moist but tolerates less
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
Beneficial Insects Attracted: Bees, butterflies, especially important to caterpillars of Dusky Azure