Thalictrum dioicum

Early meadow rue Description:

Thalictrum dioicum, commonly known as Early Meadow Rue, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It can be found in moist woodlands, forests, and meadows from the eastern part of Canada to the eastern United States.

Early Meadow Rue typically grows 8 to 30 inches tall and has a clump-forming habit. It has finely divided, fern-like foliage that is bluish-green in color. In early spring, the plant produces tall, airy panicles of small, greenish-yellow flowers that are held well above the foliage.

Thalictrum dioicum is an excellent plant for naturalizing in a woodland garden or shaded border, and it is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade and can be used in borders, wildflower meadows, or as a specimen plant. The plant is deer-resistant and can be easily grown from seed.

Native Range:

Early meadow rue can be found in the Midwest and East coast states. In Minnesota, Early meadow rue can be found nearly statewide with the exception of Southwestern Minnesota.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 8" - 30" inches

Bloom Time: April - June

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to shade. Often found in woodland areas.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.