A graceful Missouri and Illinois native perennial, Early Meadow Rue, Thalictrum dioicum, brings rich texture to shady gardens with its lacy leaves. In late spring panicles of tiny, drooping, purple-tinged greenish-white flowers appear. A beautiful foliage plant, it makes a great companion to later bloomers, and its leaves and showy flowers add wonderful elements to cut flower arrangements.

Early Meadow Rue makes a lovely choice for shade gardens, woodland and cottage gardens, cutting gardens, wildflower gardens, meadows and naturalized areas. Grows about 1-2′ tall and wide. Deer resistant. Butterflies and bees adore it.

Plant in average to rich soil in dappled sun or light shade. Protect from the afternoon sun, morning sun with afternoon shade works well. It prefers a moist, rich soil and will do best in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter.