Appalachian False Goatsbeard Astilbe biternata

A strikingly bold perennial wildflower with tall, white feathery flower plumes, and Large attractive fern-like leaves in the Saxifage family.  False goat’s-beard is the only Astilbe native to North America and with its height of almost 6 feet, it is more striking than many of its cultivated cousins. In nature, it can be found growing in cove forests, seepage slopes, and boulder field forests. In NC it is native to the mountains.

Its showy floral display is exceptional and very unusual for a shade plant. It works well as a background plant in perennial planting beds, in woodland or shade gardens and makes for excellent cut flowers. Grow in average to moist well-drained soil amended with compost. It prefers partial shade to dappled shade.

This plant closely resembles Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) with similar-looking flowers and leaves but Goatsbeard is in the rose family. They are often found growing in the same habitat.