Common Meadow-rue (Thalictrum flavum) is also known as Yellow Meadow-rue and is a member of the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae).
Common Meadow-rue is one of the tallest waterside herbs, although it does hav a widespread habitat. It prefers to grow in rich, damp, coastal areas or damp meadows and hedgerows. This plant is mainly wind pollinated, although its weak scented flowers do attract small insects. The most identifable part of the plant are not petals but a large number of stames. The plant itself has had a medicinal effect in earlier years as well as the root being used to produce a yellow dye.
Common Meadow-rue is a tall plant that can reach a height of 1 meter or taller. The leaves are wedge shapped, and dense small masses of pale, yellow flowers can be identified with a closer look at the plant. These flowers are visable from July to September and can be found on a variet of damp locations including Fens, Water Meadows, Ditches and Steam sides but are alwasy found where the soil is rich. The plant is a good nectar source for bees and flies.
Height: 40 – 100cm
Flowering Time: July – Spet
Preferred Conditions: Damp conditions such as riversides, fens, lakes and ponds.
