Morison's meadow rue Thalictrum morisonii
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ABOUT
T. morisonii is a clump-forming perennial, to 2m tall, with feathery, divided foliage and light yellow, fluffy flowers clustered in rounded panicles in summer
About this plant
Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Morrison's Meadow Rue
Common names
Thalictrum morisonii
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Thalictrum morisonii, commonly known as Morrison's meadow rue, is appreciated for its delicate foliage and attractive, airy flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners who seek to add visual interest to their landscapes.
- Habitat Support: It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: This plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in areas where ground cover is needed.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Morrison's meadow rue is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Morrison's meadow rue requires minimal care apart from regular watering and occasional fertilization, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: With its distinct flowering period, Morrison's meadow rue can add seasonal interest to gardens, particularly when planted alongside other plants with different blooming cycles.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Thalictrum morisonii, commonly known as Morrison's meadow-rue, serves as a habitat and food source for various butterfly and moth larvae, which find both its leaves and flowers suitable for consumption.
- As a tall, feathery plant with attractive foliage and flowers, Morrison's meadow-rue can be used in floral arrangements and as a fresh or dried cut flower for decorative purposes.
- The plant can be used in natural dyeing processes where different parts of the plants, such as leaves and stems, may yield green dyes for textile coloring.
- Morrison's meadow-rue can play a role in nature education, where it is used to demonstrate the local biodiversity and the ecology of the habitats it grows in.
- The plant can act as a soil stabilizer in garden settings or reclamation sites, helping to prevent erosion due to its extensive root system.
- Gardeners may cultivate Morrison's meadow-rue for its ornamental value, particularly in wildflower gardens where its naturalistic form is appreciated.
- It can serve as a natural indicator species for certain soil conditions, as Morrison's meadow-rue tends to grow in areas with specific moisture and pH levels.
- The species can be used in companion planting, potentially benefiting neighboring plants by attracting pollinators or providing light shade.
- In photography and botanical illustration, Morrison's meadow-rue is a subject for capturing the beauty and variety of plant life.
- Morrison's meadow-rue's presence in a landscape can contribute to the overall ecosystem health by promoting biodiversity and supporting food chains.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Meadow Rue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Meadow Rue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Delicacy: Thalictrum morisonii, commonly known as Morrison's Meadow Rue, possesses a dainty and delicate appearance, symbolizing fragility and softness in life or relationships.
- Ephemeral Beauty: With its transient blooms that appear briefly in the season, Morrison's Meadow Rue could symbolize fleeting beauty and the transient nature of life.
- Innocence: The soft, feathery leaves and subtle colors of Morrison's Meadow Rue flowers may represent purity and innocence, much like that of a young child.
- Overcoming Challenges: Despite its fragile look, Morrison's Meadow Rue is capable of surviving in various soils and light conditions, thus symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive despite difficulties.
Water
Meadow Rue (Thalictrum morisonii) prefers consistently moist soil, so it's essential to water it regularly. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During hotter and drier periods, you may need to water Meadow Rue twice a week to maintain moisture levels. It's important to avoid overwatering, so ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle nozzle to apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Light
Meadow Rue thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal location for this plant would be a spot that receives dappled sunlight or light shade for the majority of the day. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves and stress the plant. An area under a canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building usually provides the perfect light environment for Meadow Rue.
Temperature
Meadow Rue is hardy in a range of temperatures and can typically withstand winter temperatures down to about -30°F. The plant functions best in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. During the growing season, maintaining temperatures within this range will promote healthy growth. However, Meadow Rue can survive summer highs up to 85°F as long as it's kept in adequate shade and soil moisture is maintained.
Pruning
Meadow Rue does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage further blooming and maintain a neat appearance. In early spring, cut back any dead or damaged stems from the previous season to make way for new growth. Pruning is best done after flowering, typically in late summer or fall, to remove old flower heads unless seed dispersal is desired.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Meadow Rue prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic content. A mix should ideally consist of garden loam, peat, and perlite or sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
Repotting
Meadow Rue generally does not need to be repotted often, as it can thrive in the same pot for several years. Reassess every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot to determine if repotting is necessary.
Humidity & Misting
Meadow Rue thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. The ideal humidity range for this plant is between 40% and 70%.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, and ensure soil is consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle
Thalictrum morisonii, commonly known as Morrison's meadow-rue, starts its life cycle as a seed which germinates in moist soil conditions usually in early spring. The seedling emerges and develops a root system and leaves, gradually forming a small rosette as it matures into a juvenile plant. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows taller and produces more compound leaves with a distinct bluish-green coloration. In late spring to early summer, Morrison's meadow-rue enters the reproductive stage, where it produces small, purplish flowers on tall, branching stems that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers will develop into achenes, which are dry fruits that contain seeds, completing the cycle when these seeds disperse to give rise to new plants. Over winter, the plant goes dormant, surviving harsh conditions as a perennial with its underground rhizome, ready to regrow the following spring.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Thalictrum morisonii, commonly known as Morrison's meadow rue, is typically propagated through seed. The most popular method of propagation is sowing seeds directly in the ground or in containers. To propagate Morrison's meadow rue by seed, the best time to sow is either in fall or early spring, which allows for natural stratification during the winter months. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, as they need light for germination. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually appear in spring and can be transplanted to their final location once all risk of frost has passed and they are large enough to handle. Seed propagation is known for its simplicity and effectiveness, creating new plants that are true to the parent.