Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Europe to temperate Asia. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 35–50 cm (14–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) in your garden →
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Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 35–50 cm (14–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe to temperate Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Like many plants of the buttercup family it holds irritant alkaloids; not for eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue)
- How far apart should I plant Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 35–50 cm (14–20 in).
- Does Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Like many plants of the buttercup family it holds irritant alkaloids; not for eating.
- What grows well with Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Columbine meadow rue (French meadow rue). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Columbine-like leaves and fluffy clouds of lilac or white stamens (it has no real petals) on tall dark stems. Moist soil in part shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger