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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Thalictrum pubescens

Thalictrum pubescens Pursh

King of the meadow, King-of-the-meadow

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s): Thalictrum perelegans, Thalictrum polygamum, Thalictrum polygamum var. hebecarpum, Thalictrum polygamum var. intermedium, Thalictrum pubescens var. hebecarpum, Thalictrum pubescens var. hepaticum

USDA Symbol: THPU2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)

This is a 3-8 ft. perennial with interesting, glaucous foliage. The pinnate leaves have three or more leaflets with rounded lobes. The cream-colored flowers have numerous, showy, thread-like stamens.

This summer-blooming flower is constantly visited by bees and butterflies. At least 10 other Thalictrum species are found in eastern North America.

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WV
Canada: NB , NS , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to e. Ont., s. to Long Island, GA & MS
Native Habitat: Meadows; low thickets; swamps

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Tall meadow rue is a good background plant for the woodland garden. It is grown mostly for its attractive foliage.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Butterflies, Bees
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Separate offsets while the plant is dormant in spring or fall. Plant seeds as soon as they ripen. Seeds may not germinate until the second year.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACW				FACW			FAC	FACW

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Amandas Garden - Dansville, NY
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
ArcheWild Native Nurseries - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Additional resources

USDA: Find Thalictrum pubescens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Thalictrum pubescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Thalictrum pubescens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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