Alpine Meadow-Rue

Thalictrum alpinum

Native to:
Afghanistan, Austria, Canada, China, Finland, Føroyar, France, Greenland, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuril Is., Labrador, Myanmar, Nepal, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Thalictrum
Species:
Thalictrum alpinum
USDA Symbol:
THAL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
20 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
purple, green

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

⚠️Bog Fritillary (Clossiana eunomia)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers alpine and subalpine meadows and rocky areas.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and light for germination. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society