In past summers, the aruncus plant has been a magnet for day-flying Virginia Ctenucha moths. The aruncus is just coming into bloom here now, and so far I haven’t seen any Ctenuchas visiting it. However, a few evenings ago, I found this one on the bedroom wall. Ctenuchas are attractive, butterfly-like moths, with iridescent turquoise-blue bodies set off by an orange head.
For more about interesting moths, visit The Moth and Me # 4 over at NAMBI, the North American Moth Backyard Inventory. As if all those cool moths weren’t enticement enough, you can also enter a fun draw for an Amazon gift certificate!
Pictured below is Aruncus dioicus, commonly called Goatsbeard, a North American native. It has the appearance of a giant astilbe. It grows to about 4 feet tall and blooms in late spring or early summer, showing off feathery plumes of creamy-white flowers.
Thanks for the pingback. š I was hoping my goatsbeard might put up a shoot this summer, but looks like I’ll need to wait till next year. The astilbe I took from your garden, however, has two scapes going up. Speaking of scapes, Nutmeg Elf has 11, and the monkshood has half a dozen. š
Wow, sounds like your garden is coming along great. Hope the relocation works out favourably.