Thalictrum dioicum

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

Thalictrum dioicum early meadowrue

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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.

Early meadowrue is primary wind-pollinated.

Habitat & Range

Common in rich rocky woods, ravines and alluvial terraces.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes

EMP:	FAC
NCNE:	FACU

Phenology

Flowers April through May.

Seed clusters show up by end of May.

Characteristics

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 alternate, compound in groups of 3 to 5 leaflets; leaflets opposite, glabrous 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.

Plant Codes

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

Faunal Associations

Deer and rabbits may browse on the foliage but not as a primary food source. Some beetles and other insects feed on the leaves and flowers.

Ceratain moth caterpillars such as Pink-Tinted Beauty Moth use early meadowrue as a larval host plant.

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