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Herbaceous Perennial

Thalictrum flavum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

common meadow rue

A clump-forming deciduous perennial about 1m tall, with highly divided, lacey green leaves to 40cm long, and in summer narrow terminal panicles of fluffy lemon yellow flowers

Other common names
false rhubarb
fen rue
see moremaidenhair meadow rue
poor man's rhubarb
small meadow rue
yellow meadow rue

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Thalictrum can be rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with ternately or pinnately divided, often attractive foliage, and panicles or racemes of small flowers with showy stamens and sometimes large colourful petal-like sepals

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; can tolerate drier soil and more sun than many other species. May need staking. See staking perennials for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Faded flower stems can be cut back in late autumn or in spring before new growth starts emerging

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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