About Astrantia carniolica Jacq.
Astrantia carniolica Jacq. typically grows to an average height of less than 45 centimeters (18 inches). It has an erect, glabrous stem with few branches and few leaves. Basal leaves have long 10–20 centimeter (3.9–7.9 inch) petioles, 3 to 7 lobes, and toothed segments, and measure 8–15 centimeters (3.1–5.9 inches) across. There are generally two cauline leaves, which are sessile, amplexicaul, lanceolate-shaped, and have a trilobed apex. The inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, with a diameter of 2–3 centimeters (0.79–1.18 inches). It has 10 to 20 numerous floral bracts, which are 10–18 millimeters (0.39–0.71 inches) long, reddish (sometimes white), and have an acuminate apex. The small flowers are white: central flowers are hermaphrodite, while outer flowers are male. Petals are white, and there are five stamens that are much longer than the petals. Individual flowers measure around 1–2 millimeters across. The flowering season runs from June to September. This species is native to the south-eastern Alps in Europe. It has been recorded in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia; in Slovenia, it occurs in the Julian Alps and near Lake Bohinj. It grows commonly in mountain grasslands, forests, clearings, and near streams, most often on calcareous (limey) soils, at an altitude between 1,500 and 1,600 meters (4,900–5,200 feet) above sea level. Astrantia carniolica is an entomophilous perennial, mainly pollinated by beetles, though it is also pollinated by other insects. It can also reproduce via buds located at ground level. One cultivar, Astrantia carniolica 'rubra', is recognized by the RHS. This cultivar grows well in shaded, moist garden conditions, produces red summer flower color, and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
