Early Meadow Rue

(Thalictrum dioicum)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Early Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dioicum L.)

Identification: Flowers and foliage with a distinctive drooping appearance. The 4 or 5 sepals vary from green to purple-brown. The protruding stamens are dull yellow to tinged with orange. Leaves compound with 3 to 5 leaflets, the leaflets apically toothed into an indeterminate number of points. Plant 1 to 2 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Early Meadow Rue is found in valleys, ravines, and other low areas in woods.

Flowering period: April to May.

Similar Species: Early Meadow Rue is most likely to be confused with Purple Meadow Rue. Early Meadow Rue has an earlier flowering period (April to May versus May to July) and is a smaller plant (1 to 2 feet in height rather than 2 to 6 feet).

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