early meadow-rue
Thalictrum dioicum
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Green white with a purplish tinge
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Early meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum) is a perennial for shade gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist soil of most types. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. It is grown mostly for its fine-textured foliage, though the tassel-like flowers open in spring just as the trees leaf out. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
Pairs well with Bellwort, Royal fern, and Sedge.
Native range
Central and eastern North America.