Welcome Guest to Universal School of Biological Life.!

✉ Join Our Mailing List  ·  Sign In

Thalictrum aquilegiifolium

Back to Botanical Name View
Record ID:66

Naming

Botanical Name: Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
Common Names: Greater Meadow Rue, French Meadow Rue
Key Name: Columbine Meadow Rue
Parts Used: Root, leaves, flowers
Sister Plants: Thalictrum flavum, Thalictrum dioicum, Thalictrum minus
Comments: ornamental perennial with notable pollinator support; used in herbal traditions

Taxonomy

Kingdom Viridiplantae Phylum Streptophyta
Class Magnoliopsida Order Ranunculales
Family Ranunculaceae Genus Thalictrum
Species aquilegiifolium NCBI Tax ID 619227
Organism

Characteristics

Identifying Character: Perennial herb (2-4 ft), erect stems, compound Leaves resembling columbine, fluffy purple or white flower clusters
Stem: Erect, green to purplish, slightly hairy
Leaves: Compound, 6-12 inches, blue-green, columbine-like leaflets
Flowers: Fluffy clusters of purple or white flowers, blooming June-July
Fruit: Dry, achene-like seeds, 3-5 mm, ripening in late summer
Taste: Bitter (root), mild (Leaves)
Odour: Subtle, earthy scent from flowers
Root: Fibrous, deep root system; stabilizes soil
Image: (image unavailable)
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP.W_JkirxM6Qs1RHCKrgziXwHaHa%3Fpid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=9c1cceeecce13714ff21602519b8e7c658097581ad2f7eebb5944299244363f7&ipo=images

Distribution

Distribution: Europe, Asia, North America (temperate regions)
Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, partial shade; propagate by seed or division
Harvest: Root: Fall; flowers: Mid-summer; Leaves: Early summer

Medical

Therapeutic Action: Astringent, Diuretic, Antispasmodic, febrifuge
Medical Uses: Used for Fever, spasms, Urinary issues, and as an Astringent; root for rheumatism
Constituents: Alkaloids (e.g., thalmine), Tannins, Volatile oils
Solvents: Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin
Dosage: Root Tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily; infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water
Administration: Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for Wounds
Formulas: Combine with yarrow for Fever; with valerian for spasms
Contra Indications: May cause toxicity due to alkaloids; avoid in Pregnancy or with Liver issues; consult healthcare provider
Preparation: Tincture: Steep 1 part root in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; infusion: Steep 1 tsp Leaves in hot water for 10 minutes
Chinese: No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Veterinary: Used for wound treatment or inflammation in livestock
Homeopathic: No known homeopathic use documented

Pollination and Pollinators

Apis: No
Pollinator: 1
Pollen: Yes
Pollen Notes: Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
Nectar: Yes
Nectar Notes: Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health

Other

Non-Medical Uses: ornamental planting, dye from roots, wildlife habitat
Culinary Uses: Not typically used in cuisine; Leaves rarely consumed
History: Used in European and Native American herbal traditions for centuries
Reference: Plants For A Future; Native American Ethnobotany Database
URL: https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thalictrum+aquilegiifolium
Share: Private

© 2026 USBM. All rights reserved.

✉ Join Our Mailing List