'astriferous' originates from Latin, specifically from the combining form 'astr-' (from Latin 'astrum') meaning 'star' and the suffix '-ferous' from Latin 'ferre' meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry'.

'astriferous' is a learned formation from Latin (compare Medieval/Modern Latin 'astriferus'), later adopted into English as a rare adjective meaning 'star-bearing'.

Initially it meant 'bearing or producing stars' in a literal or poetic sense, and this core meaning has been retained in modern usage.