Thalictrum dioicum

The first meadow rue to bloom and form fruit, easily recognized by its distinctive foliage and fruit

Thalictrum dioicum early meadowrue

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants View Locations

Early meadowrue is a dioecious herb (male and female flowers appear on different plants) with delicate lacy leaves and distinctive fruit.  This is the first meadow-rue to bloom and produce fruit. Blooming is done by end of May and achenes are visible by then.  Early meadow-rue is similar in appearance to tall meadow-rue (T. pubescens).  Tall meadow-rue is significantly taller and starts blooming about the time early meadow-rue goes to seed.

Common in rich rocky woods, ravines and alluvial terraces.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FAC
NCNE: FACU



Flowers April through May.

Seed clusters show up by end of May.

Flowers  male and female on separate plants; no petals on either of the flowers; 4 or 5 green sepals.  Female flowers have 10 greenish pistils, sepals drop off early.  Male flowers have many dangling stamens with yellow tips turning brown as they age.

Leaves  alternatecompound in groups of 3 to 5 leaflets; leaflets oppositeglabrous and lobed in 3 to 12 lobes.

Stems  round, glabrous, and can be glandular.

Fruits  in clusters of achenes on female plants; seeds are about 1/4 in long, ellipsoid in shape, and green.

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

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Thalictrum dioicum early meadowrue

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Add to MyPlants View Locations
Thalictrum dioicum gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial forb
Common Names