Astrantia major - Great Masterwort
| Family: | Umbelliferae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 0.8 |
| Width: | 0.5 |
| Synonyms: | A. biebersteinii. A. carinthiaca. A. carniolica. non Wulf. A. trifida. |
| Range: | C. and E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain. |
Great Masterwort will flower in November to January. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Beetles, insects
Soil Information
Great Masterwort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Great Masterwort prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Great Masterwort can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Moist woodlands and the banks of streams[7].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Works within dappled Shade
- Grows in a shady edge
Cultivation Details
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].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 0/5
None known
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 1/5
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].
- 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.
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.Known Hazards
None knownOther Uses
None knownCultivars
'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].References
Flora of the British Isles.Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.