Masterwort typically refers to the plant Peucedanum ostruthium or Imperatoria ostruthium in the family Apiaceae, and not to be confused with great masterwort, Astrantia major, in the same family. Woodland gardens and meadows, in semi-shady areas. Masterwort is also used as a flavoring for various liqueurs and bitters.
Peucedanum ostruthium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.The plant is self-fertile. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..
Two new coumarins, 6-(3-carboxybut-2-enyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin and the 3′-acetate of oxypeucedanin hydrate, were isolated from the roots of Peucedanumostruthium, and their structures were established mainly by mass spectrometry and 2D NMR techniques.