Astrantia major

Astrantia major, the great masterwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to central and eastern Europe. Growing to tall by broad, it is an herbaceous perennial, much used in gardens.
Etymology.
The specific epithet "major", meaning "larger", distinguishes this species from its smaller relative "Astrantia minor".
Description.
"Astrantia major" reaches on average of height. The stem is erect and glabrous, with little branches and few leaves. The basal leaves have a long petiole , 3 to 7 lobes and toothed segments. Size: . The cauline leaves are generally two, sessile, amplexicaul and lanceolate-shaped with a trilobed apex. The inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, with of diameter. The floral bracts are numerous (10 - 20), long, reddish (sometimes white) with acuminate apex. The small flowers are greenish-white with reddish shades. The central ones are hermaphrodite, while the external ones are male. The petals are five, white (or slightly reddened), while the stamens are five and much longer. Size of the flowers: about 1 mm. The flowering period extends from June through September.
Biochemistry.
The plant also produces an essential oil, that can be used in herbal medicines. It also contains an Amino acid.
Reproduction.
"Astrantia major" is an entomophilous plant, mainly pollinated by beetles, but also by other insects. This perennial plant reproduces itself also by means of buds present at the ground level.
Distribution.
This plant is native to southern Europe (Pyrenees, Carpathians and Balkans), but also in the Caucasus up to Anatolia. It has been in the British Isles since the 16th Century. It has also naturalized in Shropshire near Stokesay Castle, and in Worcestershire.
It is common in mountain meadows and grasslands, in forests and clearings and close to the streams, usually on calcareous soils, at an altitude of above sea level.
Cultivation.
Many strains of "Astrantia major" grow well in the garden, given some shade and moisture. Their flowerheads provide summer colour in shades of red, pink and white. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-
Other cultivars include:-