False Bugbane (trautvertteria caroliniensis) – also known as Tassel Rue or Carolina Bugbane – is a member of the Buttercup (Rannunculaceae) family that I photographed on my recent trip to North Carolina. I found the False Bugbane along the trails at Rhododendron Gardens in the Pisgah National Forest.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
At first glance, I thought it was a member of the Aster family – but then I realized it was something I’d never seen before. The green center and numerous white stamens on each flower give the False Bugbane a unique look. This summer blooming perennial grows up to 5 feet tall. 
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
Named for the 19th century Russian botanist Rudolph von Trautvetter, false bugbane is native to several different areas of the world, including Russia, Japan and areas of North America. In the United States, it can be found in the east from Pennsyvlania to Florida to Missouri and in the west from California to Washington to Montona to New Mexico. It is also native to British Columbia in Canada. It prefers to grow in moist open woods and along stream banks. It is hardy from USDA zone 8b to zone 3a.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
If you’d like to learn more about false bugbane – some online sites with additional information include
USDA Plant Profile for Trautvetteria caroliniensis
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Plant Database: Trautvetteria caroliniensis
GRIN Taxonomy Database: Trautvetteria caroliniensis