Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
     
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Common Name: meadow rue
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Native Range: Europe to central Asia
Garden Location: Spoehrer Children's Garden
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Description: Lilac-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Tolerates: Deer

Culture

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers a rich, humusy soil and light, dappled sun. Can be easily grown from seed. Intolerant of the hot and humid summers of the deep South.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This species of meadow rue is dioecious (separate male and female plants). It typically grows 2-3' tall and features a basal clump of lacy, fine-textured, compound, bluish-green foliage (resembling columbine or maidenhair fern). The lilac-purple male flowers (color is actually from the profuse, fluffy purple stamens) are much showier than the female ones. Flowers are borne in dense panicles on branched, wiry stems rising above the foliage in late spring to early summer. Mass effect of the male bloom can be quite showy. Aquilegiifolium means columbine leaf.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Plant stems usually do not require staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Provides late spring flowers and delicate, blue-green foliage to perennial borders, wildflower gardens or meadows.