Inflorescences of Syneilesis aconitifolia
Most of the horticultural admiration for shredded umbrella plant is for its leaves, but I think the inflorescence has a certain charm as well.
There are seven recognized species of Syneilesis; all are native to eastern Asia. Three of China’s four species are endemic, with only Syneilesis aconitifolia (illustration) occurring elsewhere (Korea, Japan, and the far east of Russia). Asteraceous relatives of Syneilesis include Petasites, Doronicum, and Senecio.
Syneilesis aconitifolia is relatively new to cultivation in North America, but established enough to have an entry in Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plant Finder: shredded umbrella plant. Growing characteristics and attributes have also been evaluated through the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia: Syneilesis aconitifolia. In brief, this species can handle full sun to full shade, with a preference for partial shade and consistent soil moisture. It may become colony-forming.
A really nice photo of the flowers, which are slightly fragrant…. or were for me in NW Connecticut. It formed a nice small colony but then petered out.
The blooming flower structure mimics the finely divided leaf structure, and reminds one of a fireworks display, or a mass of sparklers. Great photo – thank you for the taxonomic treatment, too.
So often we can see the fractal nature of a plant in its parts.
It will be interesting to see how they do in SE Alaska. After seeing them in Toronto, I tracked some down and they’ve been in the ground 2 years now… but no flowers yet
They were being used as a ground cover in shade at the Polly Hill arboretum on the Vineyard, and were in bud a month ago.