Photo: KimCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Meadow Rue Plant Care
Thalictrum actaeifolium Siebold & Zucc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's delicate, fern-like foliage sets it apart from other species, creating a soft and airy appearance. Hailing from North America, Thalictrum actaeifolium is a must-have for plant collectors seeking unique and attractive additions to their gardens. Its graceful, cloud-like presence adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.
Every 3–5 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Meadow Rue?
Water Meadow Rue every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Meadow Rue?
Meadow Rue (Thalictrum actaeifolium) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Thalictrum genus. Meadow Rue is native to North America, Europe.
Meadow Rue displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Meadow Rue produces fluffy clusters of tiny flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Meadow Rue?
Thalictrum actaeifolium requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Meadow Rue Need?
Meadow Rue thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Meadow Rue in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Meadow Rue Prefer?
Thalictrum actaeifolium grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Meadow Rue prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Meadow Rue?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Meadow Rue to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Meadow Rue?
Feed Meadow Rue every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Meadow Rue?
Divide and repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Meadow Rue?
Meadow Rue can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine meadow-rue plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Meadow Rue Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Meadow Rue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Meadow Rue?
Meadow Rue is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Meadow Rue Need?
Meadow Rue grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Meadow Rue is native to North America, Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Meadow Rue is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Thalictrum genus — compare its care with other Thalictrum species on PlantoScan.
Thalictrum is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Meadow Rue copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Thalictrum Species
Other Thalictrum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Thalictrum actaeifolium Siebold & Zucc., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(2): 178 (1845)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Meadow Rue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Kim, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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