Overview
Thalictrum occidentale is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Thalictrum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thalictrum occidentale grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Thalictrum occidentale is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family known by the common name western meadow-rue. It is native to northwestern North America from Alaska and western Canada to northern California to Wyoming and Colorado, where it grows in shady habitat types such as forest understory and more open, moist habitat such as meadows.
About the genus
Thalictrum is a genus of 120–200 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, native mostly to temperate regions. Meadow-rue is a common name for plants in this genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thalictrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thalictrum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thalictrum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thalictrum occidentale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thalictrum occidentale
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thalictrum occidentale?
Thalictrum occidentale prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thalictrum occidentale need?
Thalictrum occidentale grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thalictrum occidentale hardy in the UK?
Thalictrum occidentale has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Thalictrum occidentale?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
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More in the Thalictrum genus
- Thalictrummeadow rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifoliumSiberian columbine meadow-rue, columbine meadow-rue, French meadow-rue, greater meadow-rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Album'White Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum aquilegifolium 'Atropurpureum'Purple Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum delavayiChinese meadow rue

- Thalictrum delavayi 'Album'Chinese meadow rue 'Album'

- Thalictrum delavayi 'Hewitt's Double'Chinese Meadow-rue

- Thalictrum flavum 'Illuminator'meadow rue 'Illuminator'
