Meadow Rue Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-bell'
ABOUT
Ruth Lynden-Bell is a variety of meadow rue known for its decorative and lush foliage along with its attractive flowering habit. The plant showcases delicate, blue-green leaves that are finely divided and resemble those of a fern or columbine, giving it a light, airy texture. Throughout the blooming season, which typically falls in the summer months, it bears clusters of small, fluffy, pale-yellow flowers. These blooms appear on branched stems above the foliage and add a soft, cloud-like appearance to the plant. The overall look of Ruth Lynden-Bell is one of graceful elegance, with its intricate leaves and subtle flowers creating a striking visual when planted en masse or as part of a mixed border. It tends to present a soft, feathery profile that sways gently in the breeze, contributing to a tranquil and naturalistic garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Meadow Rue, Greater Meadow Rue, Fen Meadow Rue
Common names
Thalictrum flavum var. glaucum, Thalictrum speciosissimum.
ToxicityTo humans
Meadow Rue (Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-bell') can contain toxic compounds, particularly in its roots and seeds. If ingested, these parts of the plant can cause digestive disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Care should be taken to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent these symptoms from occurring.
To pets
Meadow Rue (Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-bell') might also be toxic to pets if ingested due to the presence of toxic compounds, especially in the roots and seeds. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more serious digestive issues. It's important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-Bell', commonly known as Meadow Rue, adds delicate foliage and pale yellow flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Meadow Rue attracts butterflies and bees, supporting local pollinator populations which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Meadow Rue is tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering schedules.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and establishing period, thus it is ideal for gardeners looking for plants that do not require constant attention.
- Resistant to Pests: Meadow Rue is generally resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control measures.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving and thriving in colder climates, making it a suitable perennial option for many temperate regions.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some garden plants, Meadow Rue does not typically spread aggressively, making it a good neighbor to other plants in a mixed border.
- Works in Various Garden Designs: The plant's elegant appearance allows it to fit in with a range of garden styles, from naturalistic meadow gardens to more structured designs.
- Good Cut Flowers: Meadow Rue's airy flowers can be used in floral arrangements, offering a soft texture and a touch of whimsy to bouquets.
- Creates Habitat: It can provide shelter and food to a variety of insects and birds, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The roots of the Meadow Rue can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, providing natural hues to fabrics without the use of synthetic chemicals.
- Photography: The delicate flowers of Meadow Rue can add a soft, ethereal quality to botanical photographs and be used to teach plant photography techniques.
- Artistic Inspiration: Meadow Rue's unique foliage and flower structure can inspire artists and be used as a subject in paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Fairy Gardens: With its whimsical look, Meadow Rue works well in miniature fairy gardens, setting a magical scene that attracts enthusiasts of all ages.
- Ice Cubes Decoration: Freeze small Meadow Rue flowers in ice cubes to create visually stunning additions to summer drinks.
- Herbarium Specimens: The Meadow Rue can be dried and pressed to create herbarium specimens for botanical studies and education.
- Ephemeral Jewelry: Delicate flowers and leaves of Meadow Rue can be used to craft temporary, biodegradable jewelry for special occasions.
- Seed Traps: Due to its fluffy seed heads, Meadow Rue can serve as a natural way to capture and study local wind patterns in seed dispersal experiments.
- Insect Habitat: Planting Meadow Rue helps to provide a habitat for beneficial insects, including many species of bees and butterflies.
- Nature Crafts: Use the textured leaves and stems of Meadow Rue in nature crafts, such as making bookmarks or adding elements to handmade papers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Meadow Rue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Meadow Rue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Obscurity: Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum, commonly known as Meadow Rue, is not widely known or used in traditional symbolism, which can lend an air of mystery or obscurity to its meaning.
- Elegance: Meadow Rue's delicate foliage and airy flowers are often associated with grace and elegance, symbolizing a subtle yet profound beauty.
- Gentleness: The soft, feathery appearance of the plant suggests a representation of gentleness and softness in character.
- Protection: Some cultures might see the plant as offering protection due to its use in herbal medicine, where it has been used to treat various ailments.
WaterMeadow rue should be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as the plant prefers a consistent level of moisture, particularly when it is actively growing in spring and summer. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases; instead, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to direct water to the root zone. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightMeadow rue thrives in partial shade, ideally receiving filtered sunlight or a few hours of morning sun followed by afternoon shade. The plant can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in areas with intense midday sun, it's best to protect it from potential scorching. The ideal spot would be under the canopy of tall trees or on the north or east side of a structure that provides some protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
TemperatureMeadow rue prefers temperate conditions and can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit when established. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Meadow rue can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures, but sustained heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, and it will need additional watering to keep the roots cool.
PruningMeadow rue generally requires little pruning, but deadheading spent flowers may encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Prune out dead or broken stems in early spring to encourage healthy new growth. Cut back the foliage to ground level in late fall after the first frost or in early spring before new shoots appear to keep the plant tidy and free of potential disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Meadow Rue prefers consistently moist, fertile soil with good drainage. A mix of loam, peat, and sand can be ideal, ensuring it stays aerated yet damp. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of about 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMeadow Rue is usually grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingMeadow Rue tolerates a range of humidity levels but does best with moderate humidity. It doesn't require the high humidity levels that some more tropical plants might.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide filtered sunlight and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-Bell,' commonly known as the yellow meadow rue, begins its life as a seed, which upon finding suitable moist soil conditions, germinates in spring. The seedling emerges, developing true leaves and establishing a small rosette, gradually forming a deep root system. Over the course of several weeks to months, it grows into a mature plant, characterized by its tall, upright stems, blue-green foliage, and fluffy panicles of pale yellow flowers which typically bloom in early to mid-summer. After pollination by wind or insects, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or gravity. As a perennial, once the flowering has ceased and seeds are shed, the plant's above-ground parts die back to the ground in autumn, while the root system remains dormant through winter. In the following spring, the cycle resumes as the plant regrows from the existing root stock, continuing this cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Meadow Rue, specifically Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum 'Ruth Lynden-Bell', is by seed sowing. Seeds can be collected from the plant after flowering once the seed heads have dried and should be sown freshly for the best germination rates. It's advisable to start this process in the fall, as the cold stratification period over winter can help break seed dormancy. Sow the seeds shallowly in a well-draining seed starting mix, and maintain a consistent moisture level without saturating the soil. Germination can be slow and erratic, but you can expect seedlings to emerge when conditions are favorable in the following spring. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, usually after they have their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and allowed to grow on before being planted out into their final position in the garden.
