Evening Star Meadow Rue Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' (v)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
Chinese meadow rue 'Evening Star'

ABOUT

Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' is known for its delicate, ornamental appearance. The plant displays a graceful, mound-like shape with lacy, fine-textured foliage that resembles that of a meadow rue. The leaves are typically a soft green with a tinge of blue-green, and they may turn to gentle washes of yellow or purple in autumn, adding a touch of seasonal interest. One of the most striking features of 'Evening Star' is its charming flowers. They have a unique, ethereal quality, with large, fluffy heads that consist of small, petal-less blooms holding clusters of prominent, long creamy white stamens that resemble little puffs of cotton. These flowers hover above the foliage on tall, slender, branching stems, creating a cloud-like display that can give the plant a dreamy, frothy appearance. The flowers are often used by flower arrangers for their light, airy quality and to add height and texture to bouquets. Additionally, the plant is noted for its adaptability in various garden settings, often thriving in partially shaded areas where its subtle features can add a layer of depth and interest to the landscape. The combination of fine-textured foliage and feathery flowers makes Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' a favorite among gardeners looking to introduce visual softness and a romantic feel to their garden compositions.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Ranunculaceae

    • Synonyms

      Ichang Meadow Rue, Evening Star Meadow Rue

    • Common names

      Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star'

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there is limited information available about the toxicity of Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star', commonly known as Meadow Rue, to humans. Without specific scientific data, we cannot conclusively say whether Meadow Rue is poisonous or what potential symptoms could arise from ingesting parts of the plant. To ensure safety, it is always wise to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants unless they are known to be safe and are intended for culinary use.

    • To pets

      Similarly, for Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star', or Meadow Rue, there's a lack of detailed information regarding its toxicity to pets. While many plants can be toxic to pets, specific symptoms of poisoning from Meadow Rue have not been well-documented. Pet owners should exercise caution and prevent their animals from ingesting this or any other ornamental plants, as they could potentially contain compounds that are harmful to animals. If you suspect your pet has ingested Meadow Rue and is showing signs of distress, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Pink

    • Height

      1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)

    • Spread

      1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      5

    • Native area

      China

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' adds delicate beauty to gardens with its fine-textured foliage and airy clusters of star-like flowers.
    • Wildlife Attraction: The plant serves as a food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
    • Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partially shaded areas, making it versatile for different garden designs and locations.
    • Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it convenient for gardeners seeking plants that do not need constant attention.
    • Seasonal Interest: It provides visual interest throughout its growing season, with attractive foliage and blooms adding to its ornamental value.
    • Drought Resistance: The plant has a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for drier climates.
    • Non-Invasive: It grows in clumps and does not spread aggressively, which helps to maintain garden design and prevents it from overtaking other plantings.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Photography Props: Its delicate foliage and attractive flowers can be used as a gentle backdrop or complement in macro photography.
    • Educational Tool: The Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' can be used to teach students or gardening enthusiasts about plant biology and the propagation of perennial plants.
    • Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the plant as a subject for painting, drawing, or other forms of art to capture its intricate details and unique form.
    • Pressed Flower Crafts: The leaves and flowers can be pressed and used in crafting bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art pieces.
    • Container Gardening: Because of its compact size, it's suitable for container gardening to brighten balconies or patios.
    • Theme Gardens: It can be used in moon or white gardens where plants with pale flowers and foliage are featured to glow in the twilight.
    • Wedding Decor: The elegant flowers can be included in naturalistic wedding bouquets or as part of the table centerpieces for a rustic touch.
    • Fairy Gardens: This plant is suitable for mini fairy gardens due to its delicate appearance and small size, creating an enchanting landscape.
    • Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for this use, the non-toxic leaves could potentially be used to add a decorative touch to dishes.
    • Seasonal Interest: Its late flowering can be used to extend the interest in a garden, especially when other plants have finished blooming.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The plant Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The plant Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Delicacy - The fine, lace-like foliage of Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star' symbolizes a sense of delicacy and fine texture, representative of gentle aesthetics and beauty.
    • Ephemeral Beauty - With its fleeting blooms that appear ethereal in the twilight, this plant represents the transient nature of beauty and the appreciation of fleeting moments.
    • Enchantment - The nickname 'Evening Star' evokes a sense of magic and enchantment, symbolizing the mysterious and otherworldly aspects of nature.
    • Gracefulness - This plant’s slender stems and airy flower clusters convey a sense of grace and elegance, often synonymous with a gentle and calm presence.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
500 - 2500 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring to Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    The Chinese Meadow Rue should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. It's essential to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means once every week during active growth in warmer months, and reducing the frequency during the cooler months or when the plant is dormant. Depending on the weather, this could mean watering every two to three weeks. When watering, provide enough water so that it reaches the roots, using approximately 1 gallon for an outdoor plant, adjusting the amount based on the size of the plant and the pot.

  • sunLight

    The Chinese Meadow Rue thrives best in partial shade, where the sunlight is dappled or filtered through tree canopies, protecting the plant from the harsh midday sun. This plant can also tolerate full shade locations, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders. Avoid placing this plant in full sun, where the leaves may scorch.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The Chinese Meadow Rue prefers temperature conditions between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit although it can tolerate temperatures slightly outside this range. The plant is hardy in zones 4 to 8, which means it can survive minimum temperatures between -30 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit. As a perennial, it will go dormant in the winter and can handle frosts, but should be protected from extreme heat during the summer months.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning the Chinese Meadow Rue mainly consists of deadheading spent blooms to promote a tidy appearance and potentially encourage additional blooming. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter after the plant has gone dormant. This helps to maintain a healthy plant and prevent disease. Pruning might be done annually as part of the garden cleanup.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The Chinese Meadow Rue, or Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star', thrives in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. For the best mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.

  • plantRepotting

    Chinese Meadow Rue generally does not require frequent repotting. Assess the plant every 2-3 years and repot if it has outgrown its container or if the soil has substantially degraded. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to recover during the growing season.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Chinese Meadow Rue prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-80%. If you're growing it indoors, you may need to use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to maintain the desired humidity.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

    • Outdoor

      Part shade to full sun, moist well-drained soil, mulch.

    • Hardiness zone

      4-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star', commonly known as Ichang Meadow Rue, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in soil, preferably in early spring or after the last frost. Germination occurs with sufficient moisture and light, leading to the development of seedlings that establish a root system and produce the first sets of leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and a clumping form with compound leaves that are attractive throughout the growing season. During late spring to early summer, Ichang Meadow Rue enters its flowering stage, producing small, star-like flowers that may attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, and by late summer or fall, these seeds are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant is a perennial, so it dies back to the ground in winter and regrows from its rootstock the following spring, continuing its life cycle.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring to Summer

    • Thalictrum ichangense 'Evening Star', also known as Meadow Rue, can be propagated through the division method which is quite popular for this perennial plant. The ideal time for division is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. This allows the divisions to establish themselves during the growing season. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the same planting depth as the original plant, and water them well to help establish the roots. This method is effective and can help to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense, leading to a greater display of the delicate, lacy foliage and airy flower clusters characteristic of the plant.