Family Code: SAXIFR Genus Code: ASTIL Genus CN: false goat's beard Genus Authority: Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Genus Summary: A genus of 14-25 species, perennial herbs, of e. Asia and e. North America. Genus Identification: Identification notes: Superficially, Astilbe is quite similar to Aruncus (Rosaceae). Astilbe may be distinguished by the following characteristics: pubescence of the stem and lower leaf surface glandular, plants monoecious, carpels 2 per flower, stamens 10 per flower (vs. Aruncus: pubescence nonglandular, plants dioecious, carpels 3-4 per flower, stamens 15-20 per flower). Genus References: Mellichamp in FNA (2009); Zhu et al. (2013); Soltis in Kubitzki, Bayer, & Stevens (2007). Last Updated: 2019-11-29 Publish: 1