Rodgersia aesculifolia

Rodgersia aesculifolia, sometimes commonly called fingerleaf rodgersia, is a bold, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that grows to 3-5 tall and as wide. It is a substantial plant that will naturalize by thick black rhizomes. It is native to moist woods and stream banks in China. Although the flowers are attractive, the large, crinkled, coarsely-toothed, palmate, dark green, basal leaves (to 12î across) with bronze tinting are often the main reason gardeners grow this plant. Leaves resemble the leaves of the horsechestnut (Aesculus), hence the species name. Each leaf usually has seven leafl... more »

Rodgersia aesculifolia, sometimes commonly called fingerleaf rodgersia, is a bold, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that grows to 3-5 tall and as wide. It is a substantial plant that will naturalize by thick black rhizomes. It is native to moist woods and stream banks in China. Although the flowers are attractive, the large, crinkled, coarsely-toothed, palmate, dark green, basal leaves (to 12î across) with bronze tinting are often the main reason gardeners grow this plant. Leaves resemble the leaves of the horsechestnut (Aesculus), hence the species name. Each leaf usually has seven leaflets. From June to August, creamy white (sometimes light pink) apetalous flowers bloom in large, astilbe-like, terminal panicles (to 18-24î long) atop stems rising well above the foliage. Flowers are fragrant. Distinctive brown hairs cover the flower stalks, stems and leaf margins of this plant. Genus name honors American Admiral John Rodgers who commanded a mid-1800s expedition to China and Japan where Rodgersia podophylla was collected. (less)