Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: A.Gray
Bibliography: Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts ser. 2, 6:389. 1858-1859
Year: 1859
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rodgersia
Vegetable: False
Observations: NE. China to Korea, Japan (S. Hokkaido, Honshu)
Description
Rodgersia, scientifically known as Rodgersia podophylla, is a captivating perennial plant native to regions in Northeast China, Korea, and Japan, notably from southern Hokkaido and Honshu. Belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, this plant has been recognized and documented by notable botanist A. Gray in his work published in the Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts series 2, volume 6 on pages 389, dating back to 1858-1859.
This herbaceous perennial is celebrated for its dramatic foliage and ornamental presence. The large, palmate leaves unfold in a lush green and mature to deep bronze or reddish hues, adding dynamic color to gardens across seasons. Additionally, during the summer months, Rodgersia produces striking clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that range in color from creamy white to pink, which attract pollinators and enhance the aesthetic appeal of garden spaces.
Rodgersia thrives best in moist, shady environments, mimicking its native woodland habitats. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and structure to their plantings, particularly in shaded areas where other perennials might struggle. The plant’s preference for consistently damp soil makes it ideal for pond-side planting or any location where moisture retention is reliable.
Overall, Rodgersia podophylla stands out as a versatile and resilient plant, bringing both bold foliage and delicate blooms to garden landscapes, making it a cherished specimen among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Deu: maiapfelblättriges schaublatt
Eng: rodgersia
Dan: stilket bronzeblad
Swe: bronsrodgersia
Cym: rodgersia
Lat: rodgersia
En: Rodgersia
Da: Stilket bronzeblad
De: Maiapfelblättriges Schaublatt
La: Rodgersia
Sv: Bronsrodgersia
Cy: Rodgersia
Synonyms
- Rodgersia japonica (Regel)
- Astilbe podophylla ((A.Gray) Franch.)
Distribution
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Freddy Freddy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Eivind Egge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Karsten Neerhut (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Laura Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2022 by Rusudan Bregadze (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 3, 2019 by sebastien paquet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Wilco Verhoog (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3754587)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793122-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rodgersia podophylla A.Gray)
