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Purple meadow rue

Thalictrum dasycarpum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 25 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw wind-pollinated and small bees.

Purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum)
Photo: (c) Mary Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mary Krieger

Toxicity unknown

Purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) 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

high

Size

36"–72" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 25 more states

Pollinators

wind-pollinated, small bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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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A tall meadow plant with purple-tinged stems, finely divided blue-green foliage, and airy plumes of creamy filaments on separate male and female plants. It holds upright in moist ground without flopping.

Growing Purple meadow rue

Grow Purple meadow rue in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides vertical structure and cover in wet meadows; the fine foliage shelters small invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple meadow rue need?
Purple meadow rue grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Purple meadow rue bloom?
Purple meadow rue blooms in June and July.
Where is Purple meadow rue native?
Purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 25 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Purple meadow rue attract?
Purple meadow rue draws wind-pollinated and small bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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