Thalictrum dasycarpum 'Purple Meadow Rue'

Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as Purple Meadow Rue, is a native, herbaceous perennial plant that is commonly found in meadows, woodlands, and along streams and rivers in North America. Purple Meadow Rue is a member of the buttercup or Ranunculaceae family and is closely related to several other species in the genus Thalictrum. It is known for its delicate, fern-like foliage and its showy, fluffy clusters of small green to white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer, June - July.

Purple Meadow Rue can reach heights of up to 3-6 feet tall, with a similar spread. The leaves of the plant are divided into several leaflets and have a delicate, fern-like texture that provides a soft, flowing appearance in the landscape. The leaves are also a bright, vibrant green color, which provides a strong contrast to the showy flowers that are produced in early to mid-summer. The flowers are small and have a purple or pink color, and are produced in large, fluffy clusters that rise above the foliage.

In terms of habitat, Purple Meadow Rue is well-adapted to moist soils and can be found in a variety of environments, including meadows, woodlands, and along streams and rivers. It is also tolerant of shade and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The species is an important component of meadow and woodland ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a variety of species. 

Photo Attributions:

Photo 1: cassi saari, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons