Lesser Meadow Rue
Thalictrum minusfam. Ranunculaceae
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Pl. 4AA4 — Thalictrum minus
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IOverview
Overview
Lesser Meadow Rue (Thalictrum minus) is a perennial herb native to regions spanning from Europe and Asia to North America. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various environments. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its native range includes Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, and other parts of Europe and Asia. The plant is recognized by its light texture (energetics: light: 6/10) and its ability to withstand hardiness zones 5-9.
Quick answers
What is Lesser Meadow Rue?
Lesser Meadow Rue (Thalictrum minus) is a perennial herb native to regions spanning from Europe and Asia to North America. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various environments. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can grow up to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lesser Meadow Rue thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of zones from 5 to 9. This perennial grows up to 1.5 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For best results, maintain soil pH between 7.5 and 8. Propagate via division or seed sowing. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be used in various culinary applications.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Lesser Meadow Rue for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Lesser Meadow Rue in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure pH is between 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using incorrect soil pH, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, not providing enough light, over-fertilizing.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Lesser Meadow Rue are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads or as a cooked vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8. Skip
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Cape Provinces, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Free State
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ranunculaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ranunculaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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