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Astrantia major
This herbaceous, perennial plant has a rhizome and belongs to the family of the Apiaceae. It can reach 60 cm but is often shorter, with few branches and leaves. The beautiful inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, with numerous long and reddish floral bracts. The flowers are small and greenish-white with reddish/pinkish shades. The central ones are hermaphrodite, with the external ones being male. Flowers from June through September.
This plant likes partial shade and is found in subalpine forests. Native to Europe and Western Asia. Introduced to the British Isles. Spotted here 1300 m ASL.
Mainly pollinated by beetles, but also by other insects. The genus name (Astrantia) comes from the Latin "aster", meaning star.
Spotted on Jul 15, 2011
Submitted on Jul 20, 2011
2 Comments
Thanks Tweact! It's a lovely wild flower.
Very nice!