Thalictrum 'Black Stockings', Black Stockings meadow rue
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Perennials

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings'

Black Stockings meadow rue

RanunculaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height48–72 inches (120–180 cm)
Width24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' is a tall, clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar in the family Ranunculaceae, bred by Terra Nova Nurseries (Canby, Oregon) and introduced around 2009. It is one of the most dramatically architectural meadow rues available, distinguished by jet-black stems 4–6 feet (120–180 cm) tall that provide a bold structural contrast to the lacy, bipinnately compound, blue-green glaucous foliage. The cultivar parentage is believed to involve Thalictrum rochebrunnianum and T. delavayi, both Asian species. In midsummer, the tall black stems carry large, airy, branched panicles of apetalous flowers with showy lavender to mauve-pink petal-like sepals and prominent yellow stamens — a combination of delicate floral texture and dramatic stem architecture that is exceptional in the summer border. The foliage resembles a giant, blue-green maidenhair fern in texture and appearance, with smooth, round leaflets. An Oregon-bred cultivar well-suited to Pacific Northwest conditions.

Native Range

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' is a cultivar of hybrid origin bred by Terra Nova Nurseries, Canby, Oregon; it has no wild native range. Parent species are believed to include Thalictrum rochebrunnianum and T. delavayi, both native to montane meadows and woodland margins in China and Japan. Not native to North America in its natural species form.

Suggested Uses

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' is one of the finest tall perennials for the Pacific Northwest summer border, combining dramatic architectural black stems with lacy blue-green foliage and airy lavender flower panicles for a multi-season effect from spring through summer. The black stems are a striking vertical element from emergence in spring throughout the growing season. Outstanding paired with large-flowered summer perennials — Phlox, Veronicastrum, Helenium, Agapanthus — and with ornamental grasses. The glaucous foliage is an excellent foil for warm-colored dahlias and crocosmia. An Oregon-bred cultivar particularly well-suited to Pacific Northwest growing conditions. Allow at least 3 feet (90 cm) of space.

How to Identify

'Black Stockings' is identified by its jet-black to near-black stems 4–6 feet (120–180 cm) tall — the most immediately striking identification feature — carrying lacy, bipinnately compound, blue-green glaucous leaves with small, rounded, smooth leaflets resembling a giant maidenhair fern. In midsummer, large, airy, branched panicles of apetalous flowers with lavender to mauve-pink petal-like sepals and clustered yellow stamens are borne on the upper branches. Distinguished from other tall Thalictrum cultivars by the combination of jet-black stems, blue-green glaucous compound foliage, and lavender-mauve flower panicles.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
pink
yellow

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Summer
'Black Stockings' blooms in midsummer, typically July through August in Pacific Northwest gardens. Large, airy, branched panicles of apetalous flowers with lavender to mauve-pink petal-like sepals and prominent yellow stamens are borne on the upper portions of the 4–6 foot (120–180 cm) black stems for four to six weeks. The combination of black stems, blue-green foliage, and lavender flower clouds creates one of the most striking mid-border summer effects available. After flowering, fine seed heads provide modest late-season interest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender to mauve-pink; apetalous, petal-like sepals with prominent clustered yellow stamens; large airy branched panicles

Foliage Description

Bipinnately compound; small, rounded, smooth leaflets; blue-green, glaucous; resembles a giant maidenhair fern

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained to average soil. Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' thrives in the cool, moist conditions of Pacific Northwest gardens. Incorporate organic matter at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the growing season — the tall stems can become floppy in very hot, dry conditions. In Pacific Northwest gardens, full sun to partial shade with regular moisture produces the strongest stems and most vibrant black coloration. Staking may be needed in exposed positions or in shadier spots where stems reach maximum height. Does not require regular division; established clumps can be left undisturbed for many years.

Pruning

No pruning during the growing season. Allow the plant to complete its growing cycle through autumn. Cut all stems back to ground level in late autumn or early spring. No deadheading required. Division is not needed but can be done in early spring every four to five years if desired.

Pruning Schedule

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fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic