Thalictrum aquilegifolium
(Columbine Meadow Rue, Greater Meadow Rue)

Origin:  Native to Europe and western Russia, Asia (China and Japan), North, Central and Eastern Asia
Family:  Ranunculaceae  (Buttercup)
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  2-3'
Spacing:  1.5-2'
Blooms:  Showy, delicate airy sprays of rose/purple/white flowerhead, late-Spring
Foliage:  Exquisite, blue-green, small, toothed, lacy leaflets, Columbine-like
Soil:  Well-drained, humus-rich, highly acidic, medium-wet, drought tolerant
Water:  Low
Uses:  Xeriscaping, perennial, container, borders, beds, cut flowers, groundcover, naturalizing, woodland setting, cottage setting, shade garden
Propagation:  Seeds
Caution:  Plant can be invasive
Insects/Disease:  Rust, mildew, slugs, leaf spots

Comments:  Thalictrum aquilegifolium  or Columbine Meadow Rue or Greater Meadow Rue is a herbaceous perennial with a clumping growth habit.  It is native to Europe and western Russia, China and Japan and north, central and eastern Asia.  In late spring or early Summer, Thalictrum aquilegifolium produces showy airy sprays of rose-pink flowerheads appear atop 3' long stalks, followed later by seeds. The Columbine-like cut flowers look lovely in floral arrangements.  Butterflies and bees are magnetized by the nectar-rich blossoms of Columbine Meadow Rue while birds enjoy feasting on the seeds. It has exquisite delicate-looking blue-green lacy leaflets.  Greater Meadow Rue is easily propagated from seeds and thrives best in well-drained, humus-rich, medium to wet highly acidic soil in a sunny to part shade environment.  It tolerates drought when established.  Thalictrum aquilegifolium self sows readily so deadhead spent blossoms if you do not wish to have any volunteers next season.  It is ideal for xeriscaping.  Columbine Meadow Rue can also be container cultivated.  Mass plant in a woodlamd or cottage setting for a delightful display.  Use them in flower beds or as border plants in front of taller perennials.  Greater Meadow Rue makes an splendid groundcover for taller shrubs or trees and soon fills up an area quickly.  It naturalizes well.  In its native habitat, Thalictrum aquilegifolium is often found growing in moist meadows and along stream banks.  It is really eye-catching.

USDA Zones:  5-8

JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Thalictrum aquilegifolium  (Columbine Meadow Rue, Greater Meadow Rue) growing in Jenny's Garden

Image of Thalictrum aquilegifolium  or Columbine Meadow Rue or Greater Meadow Rue

 

Inquiries:  jen@JennysGarden.com