Summary
Rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is a delicate looking herbaceous perennial with compound foliage similar to columbine, and only grows to about 9″ tall. Blooming in April-May, the ½ to 1” diameter, upward facing flowers are typically white, with five to ten petal-like sepals, though pinkish white and double forms occur. Flowers are displayed in an open cluster at the ends of the stems, above whorled, three-lobed, light green leaves.
This spring ephemeral is tolerant of full shade, but plants prefer a site in part shade in dry to medium moist, well-drained soil. It will also take full sun with adequate moisture and an organically rich soil, which prolongs the floral display and prevents foliage from burning. Plants seed in easily but are not overly aggressive and will go dormant in summer.
Insect pollinators such as hover flies and various bees feed on the pollen, but the flowers are not a nectar source. The foliage is toxic and unpalatable to deer and rabbits. Rue-anemone is a charming addition for naturalizing in the woodland garden combined with Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans) and Canada violet (Viola canadensis). Formerly known as Anemonella thalictroides. Zones 4-8.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
moist - Flowering Period
late-spring, mid-spring - Soil PH
acidic, adaptable - Flower Color
pinkish-white, white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
dormant - Fruit/Seed Color
green