It does need adequate soil moisture. Too little, and the leaf edges will turn brown, especially if in the sun. Blooming in late spring in the South, early summer in the North, it has dense spikes of creamy white flowers. Rising above the leaves, the flowers reach four to six feet tall. The flower spikes grow up to 12 inches long and are unusual in that they are composed of unisexual flowers.
Some plants have male flowers, others female flowers that form fruit.
Although some say the male flowers are showier, most feel the two types are hard to tell apart, especially at a distance. Since Goat's Beard may spread from two to six feet across, it should be given plenty of room when planted. It is difficult to transplant or divide later on, and with adequate space, this should not be needed. To propagate plants, seed is the preferred method. Harvest fresh seed and sow immediately.