Goat’s Beard (aruncus dioicus) is a perennial that lives for 3-10 years and reaches an overall height of 4-6 feet. It has shrubby foliage and 6-10 plumes of tiny flowers. These flowers are typically either cream or white in color. Although Goat’s Beard can survive very cold winters and annual averages as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, it needs hot summer days and moist wet soil to grow well.

Uses

Goat’s Beard can be used as ground cover as it forms a dense growth that is very effective at holding invasive plants at bay. The flowers also have a sweet scent and can be cut fresh.

The poulticed root is often applied to bee stings. A tea is made from the roots and is used to ally the bleeding after child birth, to treat stomach pains, fevers, and internal bleeding. A salve made from the root ashes is also rubbed onto sores.