Thalictrum pubescens (Fr: pigamon pubescent | En: tall meadow-rue)

Tall Meadow-Rue

Thalictrum pubescens
Alternative names: King of the Meadow, Muskrat-weed
French: Pigamon pubescent

Tall Meadow-Rue is a striking native perennial known for its elegant height and airy floral displays, often reaching 1.5 to 2.5 metres or more. Its delicate, fern-like foliage and clouds of creamy-white to yellowish staminate flowers give it a graceful, ethereal presence in wet meadows and woodland edges.

Blooming in mid to late summer, Tall Meadow-Rue supports pollinators, especially small bees and flies. Although its flowers can be wind-pollinated, their abundant pollen also attracts insects, and its foliage serves as a host plant for various butterflies and moths.

This species thrives in moist, partially shaded environments, such as streambanks, wet meadows, forest edges, and floodplains. It prefers rich, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various organic soils as long as moisture is present. Its height and soft texture make it a standout in naturalized plantings, rain gardens, or wildflower meadows.

Height: 1.5 to 2.5+ m
Bloom time: July to August
Light: Part shade to full sun
Moisture: Moist to wet
Soil: Rich, organic, well-drained
Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, forest edges, floodplains
Ecological benefits: Pollinator support, host plant for butterflies and moths
Edible: Not edible