Early Meadow-Rue

Thalictrum dioicum

Foliage, 17 April 2021.

Early Meadow-Rue, stamens (above), 17 April 2021.

Pistils (below), 17 April 2021.

This species has male (staminate) and female (pistillate) blooms on separate plants.  The former are produced in clusters of small dangling blooms (up to 1/2 inch) with greenish-white bracts and a number of tassle-like yellow stamens hanging from them (see photo, left). The pistillate flowers (below left) are clusters of pinkish tufts contained in green bracts.  The plant has purple stems, branching frequently, and produces flowering heads near the top of the branches.  Leaves are typical of the Rue family: each leaf usually has three small leaflets (about 1 inch across or less) with rounded, shallow lobes.

1-2 feet; partial sun.

Spring (April-May)