meadow rue
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Lilac-purple
- Foliage color
- Blue, green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, loamy, clay, or chalky soil. Fluffy lilac-purple flowers appear in spring and again in summer, and they attract butterflies. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. The erect stems reach 24 to 36 inches tall with blue-green leaves.
Pairs well with False indigo, Ox-eye daisy, and Casa Blanca lily.
Native range
Asia and Europe.