About fifteen years ago, when we added the Douglas fir bed to our yard, I planted two Aruncus dioicus plants at the base of the big Douglas fir that forms the center of the bed. I wasn’t super hopeful that these plants would survive the drive shade and competition in that position, but they surprised me by surviving and thriving for a long time.

Goats Beard, as the plants are called, are actually native to Seattle and probably grow in situations like this all the time! Both plants grew and bloomed for a few years, then just one held on for another long time. The plant grows like a giant Astilbe, getting five or more feet tall and topping out in summer with big white sprays of fluffy flowers. The foliage is very attractive, too, like an Astilbe crossed with horse chestnut.

This plant may have died out finally. The aucuba has taken up a lot more room and I haven’t seen any leaves or flowers for a few years. Since I am extremely excited about native plants, this plant is at the top of the list to bring back into the native plant garden in 2021.