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Rue Anemone

Thalictrum thalictroides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides)
Photo: (c) Will Kuhn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Will Kuhn

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth 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 ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Rue anemone is a delicate spring wildflower with small white or pink flowers that bloom in April and May. This low-growing native perennial forms small clumps and goes dormant by midsummer, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas.

Growing Rue Anemone

Grow Rue Anemone in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rue Anemone 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.

  • Disappears completely by midsummer leaving bare spots
  • Very small stature may look sparse or weedy
  • Delicate appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The early spring flowers provide nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The plant serves as a host for some specialist native insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Rue Anemone need?
Rue Anemone grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Rue Anemone bloom?
Rue Anemone blooms in April and May.
Where is Rue Anemone native?
Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Rue Anemone attract?
Rue Anemone draws bees and beetles.
Is Rue Anemone HOA-friendly?
Rue Anemone takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Rue Anemone? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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