Maureen Gilmer
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Thalictrum aquilegifolium
Plant Common Name
Columbine Meadow Rue
General Description
With soft blue-green foliage topped by tall, cloud-like plumes of lavender-pink flowers, this Eurasian perennial attracts butterflies and makes a great cut flower. Resembling columbine (Aquilegia) foliage, the airy divided leaves cluster densely at the plant's base and more sparsely along its stems. In late spring tall, often red-tinted stems are crowned with broad frothy clusters of tiny petal-less flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Flowers are usually pink-lavender, but pink, violet-pink, deep purple, and white selections are available. The tan seedheads remain well after the flowers have dropped. Plants go dormant in late summer.
Grow columbine meadow rue in sun to partial shade in a moist, fertile soil. Unstaked stems may topple in windy sites. Although more heat tolerant than many other thalictrums, it does best in cool moist sites. Use it as a tall accent in a partially shaded perennial border or cottage garden, or among tall ornamental grasses at the edge of a woodland.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
30"-36" / 76.2cm - 91.4cm
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Width
16"-22" / 40.6cm - 55.9cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe, Western Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Light Pink, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
