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Astilbe biternata (Appalachian false goat's beard)
Bloodworth, Stefan

Astilbe biternata (Vent.) Britt.

Appalachian false goat's beard, False goatsbeard

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

USDA Symbol: ASBI4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Appalachian false goat’s-beard is similar but much larger than the cultivated Astilbe flowers. This is a 2-6 ft. perennial with huge, white, feathery flower clusters and large, showy, fern-like leaves. Small, white or yellowish flowers in elongated clusters branching off a hairy stalk; clusters collectively form a large, much-branched, terminal cluster. The foliage is bright green and pinnately compound.

The species name refers to the double subdivision of the leaves. The flower masses of this southern plant are thought to resemble a goats beard and are similar to those of true Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) of the rose family (Rosaceae), which has at least 15 stamens and 3-5 pistils per flower; it is found from Ontario and Quebec south to Georgia, west to Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, and north to Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: GA , KY , MD , MS , NC , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: W. VA to w. KY, s. to GA
Native Habitat: Rich mt. woods; seepage slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Astilbe biternata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Astilbe biternata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Astilbe biternata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-04-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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