Meadowrue
Thalictrum polycarpum

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Thalictrum polycarpum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Mixed evergreen and oak forests, mainly below 750 metres in California. Streamsides and other moist places, forests, and open woodlands at elevations of 600 - 3100 metres.

South-western N. America - Oregon to California, Utah and Mexico..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The crushed stem and leaf juice has been used as a wash in the treatment of headaches. A poultice of the pounded plant has been applied to sprains.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 1

A bright yellow dye is obtained from the whole plant.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most fairly good soils in sun or semi-shade. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seedbed in spring. Plant them into their permanent positions the following spring. Division in spring as new growth commences or in the autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, it belongs to a family that includes many poisonous plants so some caution is advised.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Thalictrum fendleri Engelm. ex A. Gray var. polycarpum