Rue Anemone
thalictrum thalictroides
Also known as: ["False Rue Anemone","Thimbleweed"]
Overview
A delicate perennial herbaceous plant with white or pinkish flowers, native to eastern North America.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Thalictrum |
| Botanical Name: | Thalictrum thalictroides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light but prefers protection from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from low to higher light; protect from direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; plant in dappled shade; monitor for signs of sun stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; adjust based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; adjust watering for temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps carefully.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Shaded, cool, and humid conditions with consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added compost or peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for root cuttings.
Timeline
Division may establish in 1–2 weeks; root cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, pots.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has roots and buds.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead foliage; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes overcrowded or outgrows its container, typically every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution around the root zone. Water until it begins to drain from the bottom, then allow excess to drain away. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or induce dormancy, but the plant is generally hardy to cold if well-established.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this plant prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms if they ingest parts of Thalictrum thalictroides. The alkaloids in the plant can cause irritation and temporary neurological effects in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Thalictrum thalictroides can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThalictrum thalictroides contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract and temporary neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Rue Anemone require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: Is Rue Anemone deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Q: How tall does Rue Anemone grow?
A: It typically grows 6-12 inches tall.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
