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Thalictrum pubescens
tall meadow-rue
Overview
Thalictrum pubescens is a tall herbaceous perennial of eastern North America, reaching 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 m) tall on slender, branching stems. Its compound leaves are divided two or three times into rounded, lobed leaflets that resemble those of columbine and give the plant an airy, ferny texture. In early to mid summer it bears large branched panicles of small flowers that lack showy petals; instead, dense tufts of white to cream stamens create a frothy display. The species is functionally dioecious, with male and female flowers usually on separate plants. Seeds form in small ribbed achenes. T. pubescens grows in wet meadows, marsh edges, stream banks, and moist open woods, and needs consistently moist soil to reach full height. In dry sites it stays shorter and the foliage scorches. The tall stems may need support in exposed, windy positions. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland and Quebec south through the Appalachians to Georgia and west to the Great Plains. It grows in wet meadows, marshes, stream banks, swamps, and moist woodland clearings.Suggested Uses
Planted at the back of moist borders, along ponds and streams, in rain gardens, and in native and pollinator gardens. Its height and airy flower clusters work as a screen or backdrop behind shorter perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Clouds of small white to cream flowers open in early to mid summer, generally June through July, lasting two to three weeks. The petal-less flowers consist of showy stamens and are pollinated by wind and visiting insects. Male plants are showier in bloom, while female plants set ribbed seed clusters.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
Blue-green to greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow T. pubescens in full sun to part shade in rich, consistently moist to wet soil. It grows well at pond and stream edges and in rain gardens, and it tolerates standing water for short periods. In dry soil the plant stays short and the leaf edges brown. Tall stems in open sites may need staking or the shelter of neighboring plants. Cut the stems back after seed set or leave them standing for winter structure. Division in spring or fall renews older clumps and is the simplest means of propagation.Pruning
No detailed pruning is needed. Cut the spent flower stems back after seeds ripen, or leave them through winter for structure and bird forage. Remove damaged foliage in spring as new growth appears.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring