Tall Meadow Rue
thalictrum pubescens
Also known as: ["Tall Meadow Rue","Downy Meadow Rue"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial with delicate, feathery flowers and fuzzy stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Thalictrum |
| Botanical Name: | Thalictrum pubescens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade garden bed with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; should not remain waterlogged but should retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the growing season as needed; major cutback in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or rejuvenate older plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade preferred); adjust to dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; for indoor placement, use a bright, north-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade in afternoon; rotate pot for even growth; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries moderately between waterings, and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and can thrive in USDA zones 3–8.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate humidity; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in peak flowering.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division can establish more quickly if done carefully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun; check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back straggly stems; cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to maintain shape; thin overcrowded stems for air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; thin crowded growth; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in peak summer; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold; buds failing to open in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; frost can damage tender tissues if not protected.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; move potted plants to sheltered locations; use frost cloth for outdoor plants during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may go dormant if watered improperly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use shade cloth or move to a cooler spot; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid feeds; stop in fall; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; cease fertilizing in late summer/early fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to gastrointestinal irritation and mild systemic effects if they consume parts of Thalictrum pubescens. The alkaloids present in the plant can cause discomfort and potential health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Thalictrum pubescens can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. These compounds can cause irritation to the digestive tract and mild systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThalictrum pubescens contains isoquinoline alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild neurological effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxic compounds interfere with normal cellular processes, leading to discomfort and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Thalictrum pubescens grow?
A: It can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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