How much sun does Wright's meadow-rue need?

Wright's meadow-rue grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Wright's meadow-rue bloom?

Wright's meadow-rue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Wright's meadow-rue native?

Wright's meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Wright's meadow-rue attract?

Wright's meadow-rue draws small native bees.

Wright's meadow-rue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Thalictrum fendleri

Last reviewed: October 2026

Wright's meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw small native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Wright's meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri) 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

18"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

Pollinators

small native 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Wright's meadow-rue.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A perennial forb with delicate, columbine-like compound leaves and airy clusters of small, petal-less flowers, male plants showing dangling purplish stamens and female plants producing inconspicuous seed clusters. Grows in the dappled shade of montane forests and canyon slopes.

Growing Wright's meadow-rue

Grow Wright's meadow-rue in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Though mostly wind-pollinated, the abundant pollen from male plants is also collected by small native bees, and the foliage provides cover for ground-dwelling insects and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Wright's meadow-rue need?: Wright's meadow-rue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Wright's meadow-rue bloom?: Wright's meadow-rue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Wright's meadow-rue native?: Wright's meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Wright's meadow-rue attract?: Wright's meadow-rue draws small native 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app