The name of this taxon is not universally agreed. We are following the treatment in the Flora of N. America[], but some other treatments refer to this species as Anemonella thalictroides (L.) Spach[].

Common Name: Rue-Anemone

General Information

Thalictrum thalictroides is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a clump of growth 10 - 30cm tall from a tuberous rootstock[].
The plant was harvested from the wild for use as a food and medicine by Native Americans, though is little used at present. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued for its spring flowers.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many toxic species. The toxins are not normally fairly mild in effect and they are usually destroyed by thoroughly heating or drying the plant.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Minnesota to New Brunswick, south to Oklahoma and Georgia

Habitat

Damp deciduous and mixed open woods, banks and thickets; at elevations up to 300 metres[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade, it also tolerates deep shade[]. It prefers a moist, humus-rich light soil[, ]. The plant strongly resents any wetness at the roots[]. A delicate plant for a loose leafy soil in sun or part shade[].
The plant comes into growth in early spring, dying down and becoming dormant in the summer.
Plants dislike any root disturbance, they should be planted in their final positions whilst still young[].
A greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
Plants are slow to establish, often falling victim to slug predations[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, , ]. Starchy[, ]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and vomiting[]. A preparation of the root has historically been used in the treatment of piles[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in the spring.
Division - this is best done in the autumn by carefully removing pieces from the outside of the clump and growing them on in pots until they are established[, ]. Be careful to disturb the main clump as little as possible[].