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Thalictrum dioicum
Thalictrum dioicum L.
Early Meadow-rue
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: THDI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Early meadow-rue is a graceful, 8-28 in. perennial with long-stalked leaves divided into many delicate, lobed segments. Petal-less flowers have yellow stamens that hang like small tassels. The female tassel-like blossoms are purple and appear on separate plants. Drooping, greenish-white flowers are in long-stalked terminal and axillary clusters on a smooth, leafy stem.
This flower blooms in the early spring, just as the trees are leafing out, which accounts for its common name. The species name alludes to the fact that the male and female flowers are on separate plants, and is derived from the Greek word meaning "two households."
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , GreenBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: GA & AL to AR, n. to N.B., s.w. Que, s. Ont. & MN
Native Habitat: Rich woods; slopes; alluvial terraces
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Rich, mesic soils.
Conditions Comments: Although the delicate, Chinese lantern-like blossoms of early meadow rue are extremely attractive, the plant is grown mostly for its fine-textured foliage.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Description: Plant seeds outside in the fall. Seedlings will germinate in one year; flower in two or three.Seed Collection: Approximate collection date in northern U.S.: Late May through Jun.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FACW | FACU | FACU | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Thalictrum dioicum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Thalictrum dioicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Thalictrum dioicum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-06-27Research By: TWC Staff