Astrantia
A star-shaped garden flower with pincushion blooms and aromatic roots
Astrantia is a group of perennial herbs with star-like flowers and divided leaves, grown for their unusual blooms in garden beds. These plants come from parts of Europe and the Caucasus, and their roots and leaves have been used in herbal remedies.
- Astrantia flowers have a star-like shape with pointed bracts
- Some garden varieties bloom in deep red or pink shades
- The roots are aromatic and used in herbal infusions
- Astrantia maxima 'Largest masterwort' has won a garden merit award
What does Astrantia look like?
Astrantia plants are perennials with deeply cut, hand-shaped leaves and tall stems. Their flowers form rounded heads surrounded by pointed bracts, giving a star-like look. The blooms appear in shades of white, pink, or red, and the roots have a noticeable scent. These flowers are often described as looking like pincushions.
Where does Astrantia come from?
Astrantia grows wild in several regions across Europe and the Caucasus mountains. The name Astrantia comes from the Latin word for star, inspired by the shape of its floral bracts. Over time, gardeners have selected various forms for their striking flowers and reliable growth in shaded spots.
When and how Astrantia blooms
Astrantia blooms in summer, thriving in moist, well-drained soil with some shade. Gardeners often plant them in borders or woodland gardens. The plants are usually grown from seed or divided clumps, and several varieties have been bred for richer flower colors.
How Astrantia is used
People grow Astrantia mainly for its decorative flowers in gardens and floral arrangements. The roots and dried leaves have a history of use in herbal medicine, often as an infusion to help with digestion or appetite. Some species are valued for their aromatic essential oils.
Kinds of Astrantia
There are about ten recognized species of Astrantia, including Astrantia major and Astrantia maxima. Gardeners have developed varieties with deep red flowers, such as 'Rubra', and larger forms like 'Largest masterwort', which has received awards for garden performance.
What Astrantia means
Astrantia is known by several names, including masterwort and Hattie's pincushion. The plant is appreciated for its unique flower shape and is a favorite in cottage gardens. Its roots and leaves have traditional uses in herbal remedies, but it is mainly grown today for its ornamental value.
Questions people ask about Astrantia
Where does Astrantia come from?
Astrantia grows wild in several regions of Europe and the Caucasus, where it is found in meadows and woodlands.
What does Astrantia look like?
Astrantia has deeply divided leaves and produces rounded flower heads with star-shaped bracts, in colors like white, pink, or red.
What is Astrantia used for?
Astrantia is mainly grown for its decorative flowers in gardens. Its roots and leaves have also been used in herbal medicine, often as an infusion to aid digestion.
Are there different types of Astrantia?
Yes, there are about ten species, including Astrantia major and Astrantia maxima, and many garden varieties with different flower colors.
Why is it called Astrantia?
The name comes from the Latin word for star, referring to the flower's star-like bracts.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Astrantia", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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