Early in the growing season, while the plants are not yet in flower, the purple meadow rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) may be mistaken for the wild Columbine.
The two plants often grow in the same moist edges of meadows and timber tracts, and there is a superficial similarity in leaf shape and foliage color.
Besides, both are members of the crowfoot family (Ranunculaceae), including less similar plants such as hepatica, anemone, and delphinium.
Columbine Flowers
There is no mistaking the meadow rule for Columbine once the flower stalk gets underway. Columbine flowers are formed of conspicuous yellows, lavenders, and blues.
On the other hand, the meadow rue flowers are green and not highly scented.
To bring them to the attention of the passing bee, the plant lifts its flowers high into the air. Some stalks of the purple meadow rue may reach as high as a man’s shoulder.
The meadow rue selects partial shade, humus soil, and a moist area in its natural habitat.
However, we have had a plant of this species growing in full sun in our garden for the past three years. As a result, it survives drought, and each season comes up stronger than before.
Early Meadow Rue
A closely related species, the early meadow rue (T. dioicum), may be obtained from most seed and plant houses listing wildflowers for sale.
It differs but little from the purple meadow rue, blooming about a month earlier and producing its strange flowers on a shorter stalk.
Its natural range is about the same—Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri northward, reaching even into Canada. It blooms from late April through May.
44659 by Ralph And Mildred Donahue