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Early meadow-rue

Thalictrum dioicum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Early meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 31 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Early meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum)
Photo: (c) Ryan Hodnett, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Toxicity unknown

Early meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DC and 31 more states

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A delicate woodland plant with airy blue-green foliage resembling columbine and dangling greenish flower tassels on separate male and female plants. It emerges very early and fills shaded ground with fine texture.

Growing Early meadow-rue

Grow Early meadow-rue in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, but the fine early foliage provides cover for ground-foraging invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Early meadow-rue need?
Early meadow-rue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Early meadow-rue bloom?
Early meadow-rue blooms in April and May.
Where is Early meadow-rue native?
Early meadow-rue (Thalictrum dioicum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Early meadow-rue attract?
Early meadow-rue draws wind-pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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