MEADOW RUE
Thalictrum dasycarpum
BUTTERCUP FAMILY (Ranunculaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - June, July
- Uncommon in a variety of habitats
- Showy, loose clusters of white flowers
- Leaflets arranged in groups of 3
- Ends of many of the leaflets, especially the middle one, are lobed
This native perennial grows from 2 to 6 feet tall. The green or purple stem is erect with compound leaves, most often in groups of three, below and a loose cluster (panicle) of small, white flowers at the top (B). Many of the leaflets, particularly the middle one, are delicately lobed (A,C) similar in shape to those of Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). The white male and female flowers are usually on separate plants.
Found in a variety of moist shaded and open habitats, it seems equally at home in open woodlands, prairies and roadside ditches. It is uncommon at both Fontenelle Forest where it has been reported in moist woodlands and hollows and at Neale Woods where it has been found such diverse spots as a prairie transplant and a roadside ditch.
Flowering occurs in June and July.
Gillmore indicates the Omaha-Ponca called this the “flute plant,” because children made toy flutes from its hollow stems. The Pawnee forced their horses to snuff this plant into their nostrils as a stimulant so they could endure long forced marches. Other Native Americans valued the subtle fragrance of this plant and used it on their clothes for that purpose.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.