Aruncus dioicus forms a bold upright clump of dark green, pinnately compound leaves beneath airy cream-white flower panicles. Separate male and female plants carry slightly different plumes, with male flowers generally producing the showier display.
Grow it in fertile soil that stays evenly moist, choosing full sun where moisture is reliable or partial shade in warmer regions. The architectural flower plumes work well at the back of borders, beside water and in woodland or rain-garden planting.
Spring and early-summer flowers support visiting bees and butterflies and can be cut for arrangements. Yellow-orange autumn foliage extends the seasonal display before the deciduous stems die back.