Astilbe simplicifolia

Flower name
Astilbe simplicifolia
Scientific name
Astilbe simplicifolia
Alias一葉升麻
Place of originJapan and North Korea
Place of floweringFields and footpaths, Botanical Gardens
Flowering seasonJune, July, August

What is Astilbe simplicifolia

Astilbe simplicifolia or hitotsuba-shouma (scientific name: Astilbe simplicifolia) is a perennial herb native to Japan and North Korea, belonging to the genus Astilbe of the family Saxifragaceae. In Japan, it grows wild on rocks in marshy areas in Tanzawa and Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshu and Suruga, Shizuoka Prefecture. The grass is 30-45 cm tall.
The leaves are rhizomatous, single leaflets (the leaf blade consists of one continuous leaflet) and are not pinnate. The stem is thin, stiff, and erect. Millet-like flowers bloom in summer in conical inflorescences at the top of the stem. The flowers are light pink to white with protruding stamens.

Origin of the name

The genus name "Astilbe" is a compound of the Latin words "a" (no) and "stilbe" (brilliance), meaning "without brilliance or soberness.
The species name "simplicifolia" is a compound of the Latin words "simplicity (one leaf)" and "folia (leaf)," meaning "single leaf.

Difference between "A. simplicifolia" and "A. microphylla"

A. simplicifolia is similar to A. microphylla in the same genus, but A. simplicifolia has a single leaf and A. microphylla has two to four odd pinnate compound leaves, so they are different.

Common name: Astilbe simplicifolia or hitotsuba-shouma, scientific name: Astilbe simplicifolia, also known as Astilbe simplicifolia, entire leaved astilbe (entire leaved astilbe), Origin: Japan and North Korea, Habitat: Honshu (Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures only), Living environment: rocky areas in wetlands, Stem length: 30-45 cm, Rhizome, Petiole length: 5-15 cm, Leaf texture: thin papery and glossy, Leaf shape: single leaf, Small leaflets: broadly ovate to narrowly ovate, 3 lobes with acute basal heart Leaf shape: single leaflets; leaf blade length: 3-8 cm; leaf width: 2-5 cm; leaf margin: serrate, notched; Flowering season: June-August; Inflorescence shape: sparse conical inflorescence; Flower color: white/pink; Flower diameter: 0.5 cm; Number of stamens: 10 (inner 5 short with pink anthers + outer 5 long with purple anthers); Anther color; Inner uses: garden, potted, or mixed planting, Flower beds, rock gardens, Note: Fossa Magna element plant.