Herb latin name: Astilbe thunbergii


Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)



Edible parts of Astilbe thunbergii:

Young leaves - cooked. The leaves are a tea substitute.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
May

Habitat of the herb:

Sunny grassy slopes, C. and S. Japan.

Propagation of Astilbe thunbergii:

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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Sunny grassy slopes, C. and S. Japan.

Medicinal use of Astilbe thunbergii:

None known

Known hazards of Astilbe thunbergii:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.