Genus Thalictrum (Meadow rue)

Thalictrum kiusianum Photo/Illustration: Linda Wesley

thah-LIK-trum

Common Name: Meadow rue

Plants in the genus Thalictrum are native to stream banks, shaded mountains, and moist meadows throughout most of the globe. Most species earn their place in the garden with their foliage alone. The taller species do well as backdrops or as see-through plants in a mixed border. Many are suitable for a wild garden or woodland garden. The miniature species can be grown in an alpine house or shady rock garden.
Noteworthy characteristics: This genus exhibits some of the most beautifully textured foliage and flowers. The fringed blossoms have petal-like sepals and abundant stamens and pistils that occur in single or bicolor shades of white, pink, yellow, or violet.
Care: Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Some species can take full sun with adequate moisture. Taller varieties may require staking. Most meadow rue are late to emerge in mid- to late spring.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame when fresh; divide as new growth appears in spring.
Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, white smut, leaf spots, slugs.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Thalictrum

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
(Columbine meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

The lacy leaves of this meadow rue look like a columbine's, hence the common and scientific names. But the leaves are actually gray-green and more delicate than its namesake. It bears clusters of long-lasting cottony flowers in shades of lilac, purple, or white in early summer. It is suitable for naturalizing in a meadow or woodland. These perennials grow to about 3 feet tall and half as wide.

Thalictrum delavayi
(Yunnan meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

From mid-summer to early autumn, this Thalictrum species has clusters of large, fluffy-looking flowers with lilac to white petals and pale yellow stamens atop wiry, purple-tinted stems and delicately textured foliage. Plants grow to 4 feet tall and half as wide.

Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'
(Yunnan meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This cultivar has some of the showiest flowers of the meadow rues. From mid-summer to early autumn, it bears tight, pompom-like clusters of lilac-mauve sepals atop wiry, purple tinted stems and delicately textured foliage. Plant toward the back of a border; it may require staking.

Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum
(Yellow meadow rue, Dusty meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This classy specimen has beautifully textured, blue-gray foliage. Its summertime pale yellow flowers are petalless and fringed, occurring in clusters atop chalky bluish gray stems. Plant at the back of a border; it may require staking.

Thalictrum isopyroides
(Meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This species has exquisite tiny foliage that looks somewhat like parsley but with a steely blue cast. The leaves clothe stems that reach up to 18 inches in height. In early summer, it bears tiny greenish yellow flowers in starlike clusters. Plants grow to about 18 inches wide.

Thalictrum kiusianum
(Dwarf meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This garden gem forms a 6-inch-high mat of dainty, ferny foliage, and is perfect for a trough or a lightly shaded nook in a rock garden. In early summer, it produces a profusion of lavender blossoms which appear just above the leaves.

Thalictrum minus
(Meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This perennial species is one of the most delicate of Thalictrums, with tiny foliage reminiscent of maidenhair ferns. It bears small, nodding, long-lasting flowers of a unique yellowish plum-brown. It grows to about 3 feet tall and wide.

Thalictrum rochebruneanum
(Meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This beautiful specimen has tall, delicate stems punctuated by clusters of columbine-like, bluish gray leaves. In summer, it bears sprays of nodding lavender-pink or white flowers with pale yellow stamens that reach as high as 3 feet. Plants grow to 12 inches wide. Plant at the back of a border; it may require staking.

Thalictrum rochebruneanum 'Lavender Mist'
(Meadow rue) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This hauntingly beautiful specimen has blue-green foliage along matte, purple-green, willowy stems. At 5 or more feet in height, it has a dramatic yet delicate garden presence. Its sprays of nodding lilac flowers have pale yellow stamens. Plant at the back of a border; it may require staking.