A very ornamental medium to tall, medium spreading perennial with airy lilac flowers.
Pronunciation
(tha-LICK-trum)(a-kwi-LEEG-i-fo-lee-um)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennials Hardy
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Sunlight
full to partial sun
Moisture
average to moist
Soil & Site
Prefers moist but will tolerate average to drier conditions.
Flowers
fluffy, lilac/purple, consist of a crowded corymbose panicle
Fruit
drooping achenes with 3 small wings
Leaves
alternate, pinnately compound, each leaflet with 3-5 lobes and are blue-tinted, leaves similar to Columbine's hence the species name aquilegifolium, the better the growing conditions the longer before the foliage starts to deteriorate
Stems
hollow, in tight clumps
Dimensions
Reaches 2-3 feet tall, space 18-24 inches on center.
Maintenance
After blooming the foliage will start to deteriorate. They will reach a point where cutting back will be needed and the plant will respond with a new flush of growth. If the seed heads are left on the plant to mature they will readily reseed in the garden
Propagation
seeds or division
Native Site
Native to Europe to Northern Asia and Japan.
Misc Facts
The Thalictrums are called Meadow-rue Thalictrum is derived from the Greek word thaliktron. Used by Discorides to describe compound leaves.
Author's Notes
I have used this Thalictrum in gardens. If the proper spot is found, it will reseed and form patches.
Notes & Reference
#04-Herbaceous Perennial Plants (Allan Armitage)
#06-Perennials for the American Gardens (Clasusen and Ekastro), #40-Herbaceous Ornamental Plants (Steven Stills)