When does Thalictrum pubescens bloom?

Muskratweed blooms from June through August, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract various pollinators.

What pollinators visit Thalictrum pubescens?

Muskratweed attracts bees, beetles, and flies to its summer blooms, providing nectar and pollen resources.

Where is Thalictrum pubescens native?

This species is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Illinois and Arkansas.

What growing conditions does Muskratweed prefer?

Thalictrum pubescens grows best in partial sun with medium to moist soil conditions, though it can tolerate a range of light levels.

Is Muskratweed HOA-friendly?

Muskratweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Muskratweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Thalictrum pubescens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Thalictrum pubescens (Muskratweed) is a native forb blooming June through August across eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This deciduous wildflower attracts bees, beetles, and flies with its delicate white flower clusters.

Toxicity unknown

Muskratweed (Thalictrum pubescens) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northern Lakes and Forests Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Tall meadow rue produces delicate, cloud-like clusters of small white or greenish flowers that create an airy, graceful appearance in summer gardens. This native perennial thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture and forms upright clumps that work well as background plants or in naturalized areas.

Growing Muskratweed

Grow Muskratweed in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Muskratweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tall height appears wild and unmanicured
Common name 'Muskratweed' sounds undesirable
Delicate appearance may look weedy to traditional gardeners

Wildlife value

The fluffy flower clusters attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies during its long summer bloom period. Seeds provide food for birds later in the season.

Common questions

When does Thalictrum pubescens bloom?: Muskratweed blooms from June through August, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Thalictrum pubescens?: Muskratweed attracts bees, beetles, and flies to its summer blooms, providing nectar and pollen resources.
Where is Thalictrum pubescens native?: This species is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Illinois and Arkansas.
What growing conditions does Muskratweed prefer?: Thalictrum pubescens grows best in partial sun with medium to moist soil conditions, though it can tolerate a range of light levels.
Is Muskratweed HOA-friendly?: Muskratweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

Ready to grow Muskratweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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