Astrantia Umbelliferae : The herbaceous plant
Landscape designers are using perennial plants more often in their projects. Astrantia major is one such plant. Its flowers look like small stars, which is why it is called starflower. This full, leafy plant is easy to care for and popular with gardeners.
This article explains the main features of Astrantia and how to care for it.
Features
Astrantia major is a perennial herb from the Umbelliferae family. It naturally grows in Europe and parts of Transcaucasia. Another species of Astrantia, which is the largest, also lives in these areas.
The starflower has a rhizome, or underground stem. It usually grows to about 70 centimeters tall. The stems are thin and lightly branched, with some leaves. The height of the shoots varies from 15 centimeters to one meter.
The leaves are shaped like a palm with parts spreading out from a central point. Some plants have leaves with lobes shaped like a hand. These leaves grow in clusters at the base of the plant. The starflower blooms from May to September.
Its flowers are small and grouped into flat-topped clusters called umbels. They are white or coral-colored and look like tiny stars. Around the flowers are large green wrapper leaves.
The plant produces seeds with two tiny seeds inside. Gardeners often see bees visiting the starflower because it produces nectar.
You can grow this plant easily at home. Its dense flowers last long when cut and are used often in floral arrangements. Florists like to include starflower in dried bouquets because it keeps its look for a long time.
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