Astrantia

Family: Umbelliferae. Name: ancient, of unknown origin and meaning. Probably from 'astron' - star and 'antion' - opposite, referring to the bracts of the inflorescence.

Description: About 10 species are known, occurring wild in Southern and Central Europe, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus. Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants. Stems sparsely branched, erect, sparsely leafy, from 15-30 up to 90 cm tall. Leaves mostly deeply palmately divided or palmately lobed with 3-7 lanceolate or obovate segments, toothed at the margin. Flowers small, numerous, arranged in simple umbels. Bracts of the involucre large, often colored, giving the plants an ornamental appearance. Fruits - two-seeded.