Astilbe odontophylla var. odontophylla("Toriashishoma")
Japanese name: トリアシショウマ（鳥足升麻、鳥脚升麻） Scientific name:Astilbe odontophylla var. odontophylla
[Overview]
A perennial 40–100 cm tall, found in grasslands and similar places in the subalpine to alpine zones.
It has a rhizome.
There are basal leaves and stem leaves, both three times ternately compound.
The leaflets are ovate to broadly ovate, 5–12 cm long and 4–10 cm wide, with sharp double serrations on the margins.
The tip of the flower stalk bears a panicle-like inflorescence.
The inflorescence branches are 12–25 cm long, divide often, and are densely covered with glandular hairs.
The flowers are white with 5 petals; the petals are spoon-shaped, 4–6 mm long, and longer than the stamens.
The fruit is a capsule 3–4 mm long.
[Uses]
The rhizome is used medicinally and as a bath additive.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or from seed.
It prefers partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture.
Direct summer sun can scorch the leaves, so a site under deciduous trees or similar is suitable.
Watch for dryness, and water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer.
If drainage is poor and humidity builds up, southern blight and gray mold may occur.
[Notes]
The Japanese name is said to compare the sturdy, straight stem to a bird's leg.
