Goat's Beard, Bride's feathers

Aruncus dioicus

Physical Characteristics

Aruncus dioicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to August. The species is 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 is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly 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.

Distribution

Europe, N. America and Asia.

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

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].

Known Hazards

Cyanogenic glycosides are found in the leaves[74].