Thalictrum foliolosum
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Thalictrum foliolosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). 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): 2.5
Where it is found
Forests and shrubberies at elevations of 1300 - 3400 metres from Kashmir to S.E. Tibet and Burma, especially in Nepal.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is antiperiodic, diuretic, febrifuge, ophthalmic, purgative, salve, stomachic and tonic. It is considered to be a good remedy for atonic dyspepsia and is also useful in treating peptic ulcers, indigestion, fevers, toothache, haemorrhoids and for convalescence after acute diseases. It is a valuable remedy for ophthalmia. The juice of the leaves is applied to boils and pimples.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
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.