Astilbe thunbergii

(Siebold. & Zucc.) Miq.

Saxifragaceae Edible: Leaves 43 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Astilbe thunbergii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Astilbe, native to Japan. Its hybrid cultivar 'Straussenfeder' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Description

A small herb. It grows 50-60 cm high. It spreads 30-50 cm wide. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. These have sharp teeth around the edge. The leaflets are broad and greyish-green or bronze. The flowers are small but in dense masses. They are white when they open but turn pink.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves - cooked. The leaves are a tea substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Japan,

Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 20cm tall. Plant them out in the summer, or late in the following autumn. Division in spring. This is best done every 3 - 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whist smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

Other Uses

Landscape Uses: Border, Container, Massing, Woodland garden. Special Features: Attractive foliage. Dynamic accumulator. Special Uses Dynamic accumulator

Notes

There are about 12 Astilbe species. They are temperate plants.

References (3)

Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 3:96. 1867
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 202
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/