Etymology
Thalictrum is Greek for a plant whose identity is unknown; pubescens is Latin for hairy.
Native Habitat
River and stream floodplains, forests, marshes, meadows and fields, swamps and wetland margins.
Garden Uses
Tall meadow rue adds height to the garden, has beautiful airy foliage and is useful for attracting pollinators.
Overview
This plant is a perennial with grayish green foliage. It thrives in part shade with moist soil. It will grow in dryer and/or sunnier areas, but will yellow earlier. The yellow fall foliage brightens the area where it is grown.
Leaves and Stems
Pinnate leaves (a leaf with multiple pairs of leaflets) with 3 or more leaflets with rounded lobes. This plant has a relatively stout stem.
Flowers
Summer blooming cream colored to bright white plumes with numerous, showy threadlike stamens that produce a white fluffy effect.
Fruit/Seed
The fruit develops in seed-like rounded clusters that dry but do not split open when ripe. The clusters change from white to purplish, becoming light green, then darker green. As the fruits mature, the ball-shaped head of seeds turns brown.
Animal Associates
Constantly visited by bees and butterflies. Caterpillars of several species of moth feed on the leaves.
Propagation
This plant grows from rhizomes and may be propagated by separating offsets from the plant while it is dormant in spring or fall. May also be propagated from seeds, some of which may not germinate until the second year. They should be planted as soon as they ripen.
Ethnobotanical Uses
The Iroquois used this plant to treat nosebleeds and the Montagnais used the leaves to flavor salmon.
Garden Location
Library Garden (see garden map)
Anecdotal Information
Deer are problematic to plants growing in the Library Garden, but don't seem to bother others in the woods.
Sources
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Plant Profile by Kathy Kling