Astilbe
Astilbe is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants, within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodland in Asia and North America. Some species are commonly known as false goat's beard and false spirea.
These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage, and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma.
Species
Species of Astilbe include:
Astilbe biternata (Vent.) Britt.
Astilbe chinensis (Maxim.) Franch. & Sav.
Astilbe crispa (Arends) Bergmans
Astilbe grandis Stapf ex E. H. Wilson
Astilbe japonica (C.Morren & Decne.) A.Gray
Astilbe longicarpa (Hayata) Hayata
Astilbe macroflora Hayata
Astilbe microphylla Knoll
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Astilbe microphylla var. riparia Hatus.