Image of Thalictrum pubescens
Source: Donna Bos
image of Flowering plant
Thalictrum pubescens
Tall Meadow-rue
Pigamon pubescent

Obsolete Names

king-of-the-meadow
late meadow-rue
meadow-weed
muskrat-weed
pubescent meadow-rue
Seeds available at table Shade
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: White Bloom period: Jun - Aug
Max Height: 4.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
woodland garden Suitable for woodland gardens
Ecological Benefits:
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
rabbit resistant Rabbit resistant
acidic soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Thalictrum pubescens
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Thalictrum pubescens

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Thalictrum pubescens

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
  • Aruncus Dioicus (Goat's Beard)
  • Lamium (Dead nettle)
  • Lupinus (Non-Native Lupins)
  • Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
  • Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
  • Delphinium (Delphinium)
  • Iris (Iris Cultivars)
  • Hyacinthus (Non-Native Hyacynth)
  • Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-not)
  • Astilbe (Astilbe)
  • Melilotus albus) (Sweet White Clover)
  • Lavandula) (Lavender)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator: Pods are brown and crisp and starting to open, seeds are dark and tiny stem attaching to the main stem is brown. Seeds easily fall off pod when shaken, and little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
  • Harvesting mean: Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.