Early Meadow Rue

Thalictrum dioicum

Early Meadow Rue is one of the most elegant woodland foliage plants native to the eastern forest. the lacy, blue-green, compound leaves have a delicacy that makes ferns seem coarse by comparison. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Male plants produce hanging clusters of yellow-green stamens in early spring that sway in the slightest breeze; female plants develop more subtle flowers followed by small clusters of seeds. Both are beautiful, and the foliage that follows is outstanding through summer and fall. Available fall-planted (as noted), Early Meadow Rue goes dormant in mid to late summer in warm conditions, so it's best combined with later-season shade plants that will fill in when it fades. In cool, moist sites it may hold its foliage longer. The blue-green, maidenhair-like leaves are at their most beautiful from emergence through June. It spreads slowly by seed and rhizome to form loose colonies in ideal conditions. rich, moist soil under a high deciduous canopy.