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Astrantia major - L.

Common Name Great Masterwort
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
USDA hardiness 4-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Moist woodlands and the banks of streams[7].
Range C. and E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Astrantia major Great Masterwort


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Astrantia major Great Masterwort
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Summary

Bloom Color: Red. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Astrantia major is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles, insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. biebersteinii. A. carinthiaca. A. carniolica. non Wulf. A. trifida.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic  Purgative

A decoction of the root is purgative[7]. The root is harvested in summer to early autumn and can be dried for later use[7]. An infusion of the whole plant is a gentle diuretic[7].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Massing, Seashore, Woodland garden. Prefers a fertile moisture-retentive soil[200]. Succeeds in most well-drained soils[233] in full sun or part shade[200, 233]. Succeeds in an open woodland and along the sides of streams so long as the soil is well above the water level[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -17°c[200]. Plants spread by means of underground runners[233]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]. The flowers are sometimes dried and used for winter decoration[200]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as you can obtain it. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown in situ either as soon as it is ripe or in the following spring. Division in spring. Large clumps can be planted out straight into their permanent positions. Smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well and can then be planted out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Elaine   Fri Sep 7 2007

Astrantia "Moulin Rouge" is a hybrid of what species? Thanks!

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