Practical
Plants

Thalictrum polycarpum

Meadowrue

a perennial member of the Thalictrum genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1.8 m
Fertility
Insects, Wind
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects, Wind

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, it belongs to a family that includes many poisonous plants so some caution is advised.

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The crushed stem and leaf juice has been used as a wash in the treatment of headaches[5]. A poultice of the pounded plant has been applied to sprains[5].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Poultice

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A bright yellow dye is obtained from the whole plant[3].

Product or use
Dye

Environment

Range
South-western N. America.
Habitat
Mixed evergreen and oak forests, mainly below 750 metres in California[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[K]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seedbed in spring[2]. Plant them into their permanent positions the following spring. Division in spring as new growth commences or in the autumn[2]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most fairly good soils in sun or semi-shade[1][2]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[4]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

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  4. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  5. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2

  6. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  7. Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959-00-00

    ↩

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