Astilbe Species, Appalachian False Goat's Beard, Native Astilbe

Jenkins Arboretum in Berwyn in southeast Pennsylvania has a good mass of this Appalachian False Goatsbeard on the north end of its proper...Read Morety along one of its walkway. It is a pretty perennial native to the Appalachian Region from Maryland to northern Georgia to northern Mississippi to eastern Tennessee & Kentucky. It is very similar in appearance to the American Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) but is looser growing, spreads a lot by rhizomes, has its terminal leaflets being lobed, and has 10 stamens in a flower or 2 pistils in a flower. (The true Goatsbeard has 15 to 20 stamens or 3 pistils in a flower and the terminal leaflet unlobed). This species is good for a naturalistic or very informal landscape or garden. There are only a few native plant nurseries or specialty nurseries that sell some of this False Goatsbeard.

Mine grew 6' tall in its second year, and apparently this is common. The foliage is confined to the lower 3', and the huge inflorescence ...Read Moreextends 3' above the leaves. It does look a lot like a goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus).

The color is kind of dingy, slightly yellowish, like laundry that needs bleach.

It blooms here (Boston Z6a) in late June.

Like other astilbes, this species needs consistent moisture and protection from afternoon sun. Hardy to -25F (USDA Z4b).

I wonder if it can be hybridized with Astilbe taquettii...

Be sure to cut back faded flower stalks. Extra water may be needed in dry periods. Divide after 3-4 years in spring or fall. Astilbe r...Read Moreequires a lot of nutrients, so give it some fertilizer at least once per growing season.