Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 545 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Thalictrum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Northern Hemisphere
Description
Arctic meadow-rue, scientifically known as Thalictrum alpinum, is a remarkable plant that thrives in the subarctic and subalpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This delicate and resilient species is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, a group renowned for their intricate and often visually stunning flora.
Thalictrum alpinum, first documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, exhibits a unique adaptability to its harsh, cold environments. Found flourishing in areas that present challenging growing conditions, such as the rocky slopes and tundra of northern latitudes, this plant underscores the incredible diversity and survival strategies of the natural world.
The Arctic meadow-rue features slender, wiry stems that rise from a cluster of finely cut, green foliage. Its blossoms are a subtle yet beautiful arrangement of small, nodding flowers, usually adorned with numerous spidery stamens that can vary in color from yellow to purple. This delicate structure not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in its reproductive success in environments where pollinators may be scarce.
The leaves of the Thalictrum alpinum are trifoliate, often appearing as a dense, fern-like mat at the base of the plant. These leaves are specially adapted to minimize water loss, an essential feature for survival in its often arid, windswept habitats. The plant’s ability to thrive in such conditions makes it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists studying alpine and subarctic flora.
Beyond its botanical interest, the Arctic meadow-rue contributes to the biodiversity and ecological stability of its native habitats. By forming part of the intricate web of life in these regions, it supports various pollinators and helps in maintaining soil integrity with its robust root system.
For those interested in alpine gardening or botanizing, Thalictrum alpinum offers both a challenge and a reward. Successfully cultivating this plant outside of its native range requires an understanding of its natural environment, including soil preferences, moisture levels, and exposure to sunlight. Gardeners who manage to replicate these conditions will be rewarded with the graceful presence of a plant that brings a touch of the remote northern landscapes into their gardens.
In summary, the Arctic meadow-rue is a testament to nature’s elegance and resilience, thriving in some of the most demanding environments on earth. Its subtle beauty and ecological significance make it a worthy subject of admiration and study. Whether encountered in its wild subarctic and subalpine habitats or carefully nurtured in a garden, Thalictrum alpinum continues to captivate and inspire.
Common Names
Deu: alpen-wiesenraute
Eng: alpine meadow-rue, arctic meadow-rue, dwarf meadow-rue
Nob: fjellfrøstjerne
Nno: fjellfrøstjerne
Swe: fjällruta, tunturiängelmä
Fra: pigamon alpin, pigamon des alpes
Fin: tunturiängelmä
Sme: duottarsiemanásti
Cym: arianllys, arianllys y mynydd
En: Arctic meadow-rue, Alpine meadow-rue, Dwarf meadow-rue, Arctic meadowrue, Dwarf meadowrue, ALPINE MEADOWRUE
Be: Пылюшнік альпійскі
Bg: Алпийско обичниче
Zh: Gao shan tang song cao, Zi jin dan, 毛叶高山唐松草, 高山唐松草
Nl: Alpenruit
Fi: Tunturiängelmä
Fr: Pigamon alpin, Pigamon des Alpes
De: Alpen-Wiesenraute, Alpenwiesenraute
Is: Brjóstagras
It: Pigamo alpino
Se: Duottarsiemanásti
Nb: Fjellfrøstjerne
Nn: Fjellfrøstjerne
Ru: Василистник альпийский
Es: Talictro alpino
Sv: Fjällruta, Tunturiängelmä
Cy: Arianllys y mynydd, Arianllys
Synonyms
- Thalictrum alpinum var. typicum (B.Boivin)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Alaska (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- California (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Chita (native)
- Colorado (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Québec (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Utah (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Roosa Hautala (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2018 by Ina Muis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 11, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 8, 2013 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)
Taken Jun 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 8, 2013 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)
Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Viktor Björkert (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033134)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:714201-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thalictrum alpinum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2