Purple Meadow-Rue
(Thalictrum dasycarpum)
Purple Meadow-Rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum)
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Liren Varghese
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Liren Varghese
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Liren Varghese | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Liren Varghese | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-14T10:42:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as Purple Meadow-Rue, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to moist meadows, floodplains, and the edges of woodlands in the Central and Intermountain regions of the USA, as well as South-Central Canada. It typically grows between 40–200 centimeters (16–79 inches) tall and has an erect, clumping form. The compound leaves are delicate and fern-like, contributing to its airy appearance. Purple Meadow-Rue is known for its panicle inflorescences, which are pyramid-shaped clusters of numerous small flowers. These flowers bloom from late April to late July and are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate plants. The flowers themselves are quite distinctive, with 4 to 6 greenish-white sepals and numerous long, showy stamens in male flowers, giving them a feathery look. Female flowers have fewer stamens but develop into attractive seed heads.
This plant is valued for its textural foliage and subtle flowers, which add a light, airy quality to garden spaces. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as prairie gardens, and in borders where its height can provide a backdrop for shorter plants. Purple Meadow-Rue thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. It is relatively low maintenance but may require staking in very rich soils or windy sites. While generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, though it is not typically aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its textural foliage and subtle flowers, which add a light, airy quality to garden spaces. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as prairie gardens, and in borders where its height can provide a backdrop for shorter plants. Purple Meadow-Rue thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. It is relatively low maintenance but may require staking in very rich soils or windy sites. While generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, though it is not typically aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, floodplains, and woodland edges
Other Names
Common Names: Tall Meadow-Rue , Pigamon Pourpré , Purple Meadowrue
Scientific Names: Thalictrum dasycarpum , Thalictrum dasycarpum var. hypoglaucum , Thalictrum hypoglaucum , Thalictrum dasycarpum var. dasycarpum , Thalictrum nortonii , Thalictrum wightianum , Leucocoma albens , Leucocoma dasycarpa , Thalictrum albens , Thalictrum dasycarpum f. hypoglaucum
GBIF Accepted Name: Thalictrum dasycarpum Fisch., Mey. & Avé-Lall.