Species range from New Guinea, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines to Indochina, the Himalayas, China, Japan, and the Russian Far East, and to the southeastern United States.[1]
These hardyherbaceousperennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybridcultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some Astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma. Some species, including Astilbe rivularis, are used in traditional medicine.[4]
Species
28 species, and several natural hybrids, are accepted.[1]
Astilbe × amabilisH.Hara
Astilbe apoensisHallier f.
Astilbe biternata(Vent.) Britton ex Kearney – Appalachian false goat's beard[5]