#masterwort

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Thursday 28 August 2025

In this border the pink flowers of what was possibly Astrantia 'Roma' (masterwort) shone out. The cultivar is a hybrid with a long flowering season from June to September.

Jill Raggett

[times-of-life]

Masterworts

Photo credit: Eleanor Chua.

Masterworts or Astrantia blooming in a quieter part of London. These look like the Astrantia major 'Claret', a native of Europe but seem to be popular here because they are a hardy and generally low-maintenance plant.

[legends-of-darkness]

Masterwort (Astrantia sp.)

MP2C 2025 prints available

[unseeliej]

Angelica Root Folklore and Magical Uses

Recently, my Handsome Assistant experienced a minor vehicular mishap. He was on a motorcycle, so things could’ve been a lot worse, but his injuries weren’t too serious and he’s recovering well. When he first got his bike, I made him a safe travel charm that he’s kept with him everywhere he rides. He’s dodged the “serious motorcycle accident” bullet, and it could use a refresh. This got me…

Angelica Root Folklore and Magical Uses

[theyoungwaldschrat]

Great Masterwort (Astrantia major)

[mothmiso]

Sweden (2) (3) by Adán Rodríguez

[flowerishness]

Astrantia (masterwort)

The genus Astrantia is a member of the carrot family and I love it’s beautiful flowers. They come in three colors; white, pink and purple. The word Astrantia is derived from aster, the Latin word for ‘star’ and gardening books frequently refer to the pincushion shape of the flower but unfortunately, Astrantia is saddled with the common name, masterwort.

Not only is ‘masterwort’ the common name of three other members of the carrot family (that’s confusing) but I would prefer a common name that didn’t remind me of dominance and warts. Surely someone can come up with a more attractive moniker for this lovely flower?

[curiouscatalog]

From: Flemwell, G. (George). The flower-fields of Alpine Switzerland. New York : Dodd, Mead and Company, 1912

QK331 .F9