Early Meadow-rue
Thalictrum dioicum
Also listed as Leucocoma dioica, Thalictrum heterophyllum
Also known as Quicksilver-weed
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate native perennial with finely divided foliage and tiny greenish flowers that lack petals, creating an airy, graceful appearance in spring woodlands. The plants are dioecious (separate male and female forms), with the males producing prominent fluffy stamens.
Why grow it
Early meadow-rue offers a notably fine, airy texture that complements shade gardens where bolder foliage would dominate. Among spring ephemerals in woodland settings, it provides visual interest through its delicate compound leaves and unusual staminate flowers earlier than many competing shade perennials. The species is straightforward to establish in moist, well-drained soils under deciduous trees, making it a reliable native choice for naturalistic plantings.
Watch out for
Plants can self-seed prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading may be necessary if volunteer seedlings become unwanted. Male and female plants have noticeably different appearances, so site selection should account for whichever form you prefer to establish. The fine foliage is susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation, particularly in cultivated gardens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate native perennial with finely divided foliage and tiny greenish flowers that lack petals, creating an airy, graceful appearance in spring woodlands. The plants are dioecious (separate male and female forms), with the males producing prominent fluffy stamens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Early Meadow-rue grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Early meadow-rue offers a notably fine, airy texture that complements shade gardens where bolder foliage would dominate. Among spring ephemerals in woodland settings, it provides visual interest through its delicate compound leaves and unusual staminate flowers earlier than many competing shade perennials. The species is straightforward to establish in moist, well-drained soils under deciduous trees, making it a reliable native choice for naturalistic plantings.
Watch out for
Plants can self-seed prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading may be necessary if volunteer seedlings become unwanted. Male and female plants have noticeably different appearances, so site selection should account for whichever form you prefer to establish. The fine foliage is susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation, particularly in cultivated gardens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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