Astilbe japonica

Flower name
Astilbe japonica
Scientific name
Astilbe japonica
Alias泡盛升麻, アワモリソウ, 泡盛草
Place of originJapan
Place of floweringLow mountains, Potted flower
Flowering seasonMay, June, July

What is Astilbe japonica

Birth flowers for May 22

Astilbe japonica, commonly known as Awamori-shōma, is a perennial herb belonging to the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), genus Astilbe. It is endemic to Japan.
It is also known by the alternate name Awamori-sō (泡盛草).
This plant naturally grows in gravelly areas of mountains in central Honshu and further south, including Shikoku and Kyushu.

The leaves are 2–3 times ternately compound, and the terminal leaflet is rhombic in shape.
The Japanese name was given because the many small white flowers bloom densely and resemble froth or bubbles. The plant also resembles Cimicifuga simplex (used in Chinese herbal medicine as “Shōma”), which belongs to a different family.

Origin of the Name
The genus name Astilbe is derived from Latin: a (not) + stilbe (brightness or brilliance), meaning “without brightness.”
The species name japonica means “of Japan,” referring to its place of origin.
The Japanese name “Awamori-shōma” (泡盛升麻): “Awamori” refers to the frothy appearance of the clustered small white flowers, and “Shōma” was borrowed because the flower spikes resemble those of Cimicifuga simplex.

Language of Flowers (Floriography)
“Freedom,” “Delicacy,” and “The Arrival of Love”

Common Name: Awamori-shōma (泡盛升麻)
Scientific Name: Astilbe japonica
Alternative Name: Awamori-sō (泡盛草)
English Name: Japanese Astilbe
Classification: APG Plant Classification System – Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Saxifragales, Family Saxifragaceae, Genus Astilbe
Growth Form: Perennial herb
Origin: Japan
Habitat: Central and southern Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
Environment: Rocky areas along mountain valleys, garden cultivation
Height: 50–60 cm
Stem: Erect, stiff, multiple stems
Rhizome (underground stem): Medicinal (used for hemorrhoids)
Leaves: Basal, with petioles, hard and glossy
Leaf Shape: 2–3 times ternately compound
Leaflet Shape: Lanceolate with a cuneate base, terminal leaflet rhombic
Leaflet Size: 3–7 cm long, 1–2 cm wide, with serrations, alternate arrangement
Blooming Period: May to July
Inflorescence: Panicle, appears at the tip or axils of upper leaves
Flower Diameter: ~0.1 cm
Flower Color: White or pink
Corolla: Five-petaled, open flat
Petal Shape: Spoon-shaped
Stamens: 5
Pistils: 2
Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Shape: Urn-shaped
Uses: Ornamental wildflower, potted plant, garden or flowerbed decoration, cut flower