Great Masterwort
Astrantia major

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

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

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.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Moist woodlands and the banks of streams.

C. and E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

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

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

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