Greek a— without, and stilbo — to shine, referring to the lack of lustre in the flowers.

Perennial, rhizomatous, deciduous, clump-forming herbs. Leaves generally divided into 3 several times, jointed at the base of the leaf and leaflets. Leaflets with saw-toothed margins. Flowers bisexual or unisexual, small, in dense clusters, white to pink, lilac or red. Sepals 4-5. Petals absent or up to 5. Stamens up to 10. Carpels 3, free or united.

Grown as border plants for the dissected foliage and feathery, plumed flower clusters.

12 species from E Asia, 2 from the N American Appalachian Mtns.

Seed or division.

Leaves divided into 3 several times and flowers extremely small and in dense clusters. The similar Filipendula in the Rosaceae has numerous stamens and 3-many free carpels.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Saxifragaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.