Tall Meadow Rue
(Thalictrum pubescens)
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Species Description
Description:
A towering, airy perennial that looks like a cloud of white smoke floating above the wetlands. Tall Meadow Rue is famous for its massive height and its delicate, fringe-like flowers that lack traditional petals, consisting instead of showy, starburst-like stamens.
Habitat in the ANF
In the Allegheny National Forest, this plant is a true "giant of the mucky soils." You will find it in alluvial meadows, swamps, and along the banks of streams. It loves having its roots in constant moisture and its head in the sun or dappled light. It is a common sight in the lush, wet openings of the Tionesta Scenic Area or the damp floodplains of the Clarion River.
Ecology and the Wind-Insect Hybrid
Tall Meadow Rue plays both sides of the fence when it comes to pollination. While its bright white clusters (panicles) attract plenty of bees and hoverflies looking for pollen, the plant is also partially wind-pollinated. Because it grows so tall—often rising above the surrounding grasses and sedges—the slightest breeze can catch its lightweight pollen and carry it to neighboring plants. Its stems are remarkably flexible, allowing it to sway in summer storms without snapping.
Identification
The Flowers: Look for "frothy" clusters of white flowers. Since they have no petals, what you are actually seeing are dozens of long, upright stamens that create a thread-like, fuzzy appearance.
The Foliage: The leaves are highly distinctive, resembling those of a Columbine or a Maidenhair Fern. They are compound and divided into many small, three-lobed leaflets that have a soft, bluish-green hue.
The Stature: This plant is impossible to miss due to its size. In the rich soils of the ANF, it can easily reach 6 to 8 feet tall, making it one of the tallest non-woody plants in the forest.
The Stem: The stems are often purplish and distinctly ribbed or grooved, providing the structural strength needed to support its height.
A towering, airy perennial that looks like a cloud of white smoke floating above the wetlands. Tall Meadow Rue is famous for its massive height and its delicate, fringe-like flowers that lack traditional petals, consisting instead of showy, starburst-like stamens.
Habitat in the ANF
In the Allegheny National Forest, this plant is a true "giant of the mucky soils." You will find it in alluvial meadows, swamps, and along the banks of streams. It loves having its roots in constant moisture and its head in the sun or dappled light. It is a common sight in the lush, wet openings of the Tionesta Scenic Area or the damp floodplains of the Clarion River.
Ecology and the Wind-Insect Hybrid
Tall Meadow Rue plays both sides of the fence when it comes to pollination. While its bright white clusters (panicles) attract plenty of bees and hoverflies looking for pollen, the plant is also partially wind-pollinated. Because it grows so tall—often rising above the surrounding grasses and sedges—the slightest breeze can catch its lightweight pollen and carry it to neighboring plants. Its stems are remarkably flexible, allowing it to sway in summer storms without snapping.
Identification
The Flowers: Look for "frothy" clusters of white flowers. Since they have no petals, what you are actually seeing are dozens of long, upright stamens that create a thread-like, fuzzy appearance.
The Foliage: The leaves are highly distinctive, resembling those of a Columbine or a Maidenhair Fern. They are compound and divided into many small, three-lobed leaflets that have a soft, bluish-green hue.
The Stature: This plant is impossible to miss due to its size. In the rich soils of the ANF, it can easily reach 6 to 8 feet tall, making it one of the tallest non-woody plants in the forest.
The Stem: The stems are often purplish and distinctly ribbed or grooved, providing the structural strength needed to support its height.