Astrantia carniolica Jacq.

Height

Astrantia carniolica Jacq. typically grows to an average height of less than 45 centimeters (18 inches).

Stem Characteristics

It has an erect, glabrous stem with few branches and few leaves.

Basal Leaf Features

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.

Cauline Leaf Features

There are generally two cauline leaves, which are sessile, amplexicaul, lanceolate-shaped, and have a trilobed apex.

Inflorescence Size

The inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, with a diameter of 2–3 centimeters (0.79–1.18 inches).

Floral Bract Characteristics

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.

Flower Sexual Distribution

The small flowers are white: central flowers are hermaphrodite, while outer flowers are male.

Flower Reproductive Parts

Petals are white, and there are five stamens that are much longer than the petals.

Individual Flower Size

Individual flowers measure around 1–2 millimeters across.

Flowering Season

The flowering season runs from June to September.

Native Range

This species is native to the south-eastern Alps in Europe.

Country Distribution

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.

Habitat and Soil

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.

Pollination

Astrantia carniolica is an entomophilous perennial, mainly pollinated by beetles, though it is also pollinated by other insects.

Vegetative Reproduction

It can also reproduce via buds located at ground level.

Recognized Cultivar

One cultivar, Astrantia carniolica 'rubra', is recognized by the RHS.

Cultivar Cultivation

This cultivar grows well in shaded, moist garden conditions, produces red summer flower color, and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.