Thalictrum flavum (Yellow Meadow Rue)

Thalictrum flavum (Yellow Meadow Rue) is a robust, rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial boasting a beautiful, lacy green foliage divided into many leaflets. In early to midsummer, clouds of slightly fragrant, fluffy lemon-yellow flowers appear above the foliage. Perfect, the flowers consist of pale yellow sepals and bright yellow stamens, and are held in an upright pyramidal panicle, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm). Low maintenance, deer resistant, Yellow Meadow Rue is fairly tolerant of warm, humid summers.

Thalictrum flavum (Yellow Meadow Rue) is a robust, rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial boasting a beautiful, lacy green foliage divided into many leaflets. In early to midsummer, clouds of slightly fragrant, fluffy lemon-yellow flowers appear above the foliage. Perfect, the flowers consist of pale yellow sepals and bright yellow stamens, and are held in an upright pyramidal panicle, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm). Low maintenance, deer resistant, Yellow Meadow Rue is fairly tolerant of warm, humid summers.

  • Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm). This plant may need staking.
  • Thrives in rich, humusy, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Dappled shade is preferred. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulch in colder climates.
  • Fits beautifully in any beds and borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower gardens.
  • Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by seed or division.
  • Contact with foliage may irritate the skin.
  • Native to Europe, the Caucasus, and Russia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 10

Heat Zones 9
– 10

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Thalictrum – Meadow Rues
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow