Purple Meadow Rue Thalictrum dasycarpum
ABOUT
Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as the purple meadow-rue, is an elegant flowering plant with a delicate and feathery appearance. Its most striking feature is the fluffy, purplish flower clusters that float above the foliage during its blooming season, creating a cloud-like effect. These flowers consist of numerous stamens that lack petals, giving them a soft, filamentous look that can catch the light and sways gently with the wind. The foliage of the purple meadow-rue is equally beautiful, characterized by its compound leaves that are divided into multiple leaflets. Each leaflet is rounded with slightly scalloped edges, providing a fine-textured visual interest. The leaves have a soft green color that can turn to subtle shades of yellow or purple in the fall. The plant has a bushy growth habit, with the leaves and flowers branching out on slender, upright stems. The overall form of the purple meadow-rue is airy and open, which allows it to blend seamlessly with other plants in a garden setting or in its natural meadow habitat. It should be noted that the stems of purple meadow-rue are typically smooth, with a pale green to reddish tint that complements the greenery and floral display. The plant tends to have a light and graceful presence, which can be especially stunning when multiple specimens are planted in groups or drifts. The purple meadow-rue is a perennial plant, which means that it will die back to the ground during the winter months and re-emerge from its root system in the spring. This hearty return year after year makes it a favorite among gardeners who appreciate its reliability and the seasonal interest it brings to a landscape. While this description leaves out the dimensions of the plant, understanding the visual components can still offer a sense of the purple meadow-rue's genteel beauty and its contribution to a garden's aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Purple Meadow Rue, Meadow Rue, Tall Meadow Rue, Purple Meadow-rue
Common names
Thalictrum dasycarpum var. hypoglaucum, Thalictrum dasycarpum var. dasycarpum, Thalictrum purpusii.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Purple Meadow Rue is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of Thalictrum dasycarpum, but it is not commonly associated with serious poisoning or severe symptoms upon ingestion. However, as with many plants, it may cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Purple Meadow Rue is not commonly known to be highly toxic to pets. While specific detailed symptoms of toxicity in pets are not well-documented, ingestion of this plant might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals such as dogs or cats. As with any non-food plant, consumption by pets should be avoided, and if a pet does ingest some of this plant and exhibits signs of distress, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet [0.91-1.83 meters]
Spread
1-3 feet [0.3-0.91 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as the Purple Meadow-Rue, provides habitat and food for various insects, particularly butterflies, which depend on native plants for their survival.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Purple Meadow-Rue attract pollinating insects, playing a crucial role in the pollination of nearby plants and contributing to overall biodiversity.
- Landscape Aesthetics: With its delicate foliage and attractive flowers, Purple Meadow-Rue adds a layer of visual interest and natural beauty to gardens and wild landscapes.
- Wildlife Food Source: The seeds of the plant serve as a food source for birds and small mammals, integrating it into the local food web.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Thalictrum dasycarpum can help stabilize soil and control erosion, especially in wild or naturalized areas.
- Diversity Addition: Including native plants like Purple Meadow-Rue preserves genetic diversity and resilience within plant communities.
Medical Properties- Antipyretic: Thalictrum dasycarpum has been used traditionally to reduce fever.
- Diuretic: There are historical references to its use in promoting the production of urine to relieve fluid retention.
- Emmenagogue: The plant has been thought to stimulate menstrual flow.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as purple meadow-rue, can be used as a natural dye, providing a variety of subtle colors depending on the mordant used.
- The tall and delicate foliage of purple meadow-rue can be added to floral arrangements for a touch of airy elegance.
- In certain cultures, the dried seed heads of purple meadow-rue are used in crafts, such as for making natural ornaments or adding texture to potpourri mixes.
- The fibrous stems of the plant were traditionally used for tying and binding in small-scale construction or crafting.
- Purple meadow-rue can be planted in outdoor areas where its height and structure are used as a living screen or natural divider.
- The seeds of the plant, when dried and rattled, can serve as a simple, natural noise maker for use in musical or ceremonial contexts.
- Gardeners may employ the distinctive foliage as a backdrop plant in ornamental gardens due to its fine texture that contrasts well with bolder foliage plants.
- The leaves of purple meadow-rue, though not commonly used, can provide a subtle filler in mixed green salads to contribute a different texture.
- Insect-friendly gardens often include purple meadow-rue as it can attract butterflies and beneficial insects that help with pollination.
- When establishing wildlife gardens, the dense leaf cover can offer shelter for small fauna, like insects and amphibians.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple Meadow Rue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purple Meadow Rue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicacy: The purple meadow-rue, with its fine, feathery foliage and delicate flowers, often symbolizes a sense of delicacy or fine structure in the world of plants.
- Ephemeral beauty: As with many wildflowers, the purple meadow-rue’s blooming period is relatively short, representing the transient and fleeting nature of beauty and life itself.
- Femininity: Due to its soft purple hues and graceful appearance, the purple meadow-rue is sometimes associated with feminine grace and charm.
WaterMeadow Rue prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water this plant regularly to maintain its preferred moisture level. Water it deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which might be roughly translated to 0.5 to 0.75 gallons for an average-sized plant. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water Meadow Rue twice a week. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and check the soil moisture before watering again to prevent overwatering. It is better to water the plant early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightMeadow Rue thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. The ideal location for planting is a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade or a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, protection from the intense afternoon sun is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureMeadow Rue can endure a wide range of temperatures, tolerating a minimum temperature of around -30 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature typical of most warm temperate regions. However, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy to USDA zones 4 through 7 and can tolerate the occasional frost without significant damage.
PruningPruning is beneficial for Meadow Rue to remove spent flower stalks and encourage bushier growth. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, prune the plant back to the ground. This will also help to remove any old or dead foliage and improve air circulation within the plant. Additional deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done during the summer to maintain plant appearance and sometimes promote a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Purple Meadow Rue should be rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of loamy soil, peat, and sand in equal parts is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingPurple Meadow Rue should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish its soil and manage its growth, as it does not typically become root-bound quickly.
Humidity & MistingPurple Meadow Rue thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range of atmospheric moisture, reflecting its adaptability in various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, moist soil, and mulch well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as purple meadow-rue, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in early spring when the soil has warmed sufficiently. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of basal leaves, and as the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem that can reach up to 6 feet tall, with compound leaves that are uniquely textured. In late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of small, delicate flowers which may be lavender, yellow, or white, often lacking petals with conspicuous, extended stamens giving a feathery appearance. Following pollination, often by wind, the flowers produce dry, winged fruits known as achenes which are dispersed by wind or sometimes water. These seeds can lie dormant in the soil for several years before germination, which allows the plant to spread and colonize new areas. Purple meadow-rue is a perennial plant, so after the reproductive stage, it will die back to the ground in fall and winter, to re-emerge from its rootstock the following spring, continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Thalictrum dasycarpum, commonly known as Purple Meadow Rue, is best propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing seeds is in the fall, as this allows for natural stratification during the winter months, creating conditions that break the seed dormancy. However, if sowing in spring, the seeds require a period of cold moist stratification for about four to six weeks at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6-4.4 degrees Celsius) to enhance germination. After stratifying, seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which usually happens within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into their final positions, taking care to not damage the delicate roots.
